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Carol Eustice

The Immune System - How It Works

By , About.com GuideJanuary 22, 2012

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The immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work harmoniously to defend the body against foreign invaders. The immune system operates like a sophisticated communications system. When a foreign invader enters the body, the immune system is alerted.

When the immune system malfunctions and attacks its own tissues rather than foreign invaders, autoimmune diseases develop. Autoimmune diseases include rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and other rheumatic conditions. Learn more about The Immune System - How It Works.

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