Autoimmune diseases afflict millions, but the total number affected is unknown along with the repercussion on the world economy.

The impact of an autoimmune disease is felt by more than just the patient.

Tipping the immune system’s homeostatis makes the difference between tolerance and autoimmune disease.

Genes and the environment both contribute to autoimmune diseases, and future advances could come from studying these factors in combination.

Understanding the mechanisms of autoimmune diseases lead to a proliferation of potential treatments.

New approaches provide hope for those with autoimmune diseases, especially rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.

A question and answer session with Genentech's Andrew C. Chan

Preventing autoimmune diseases is still a long way off, but it's a goal worth pursuing.