In the context of autoimmune diseases, what does hyperactivity of the immune system lead to?

The hyperactivity of the immune system in the context of autoimmune diseases leads to the body mistakenly attacking its own healthy tissues. This occurs because the immune system, which is designed to protect the body from pathogens such as bacteria and viruses, becomes dysregulated and fails to distinguish between foreign invaders and the body’s own cells. As a result, it targets and damages normal tissues, leading to inflammation and impaired function in various organs and systems.

This phenomenon is characteristic of autoimmune diseases, where the immune response is inappropriately activated, causing a range of symptoms that can affect different parts of the body depending on the specific condition. For instance, in diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, the immune system targets joint tissues, leading to pain and inflammation. In multiple sclerosis, the immune system attacks the protective covering of nerve fibers in the central nervous system.

In contrast to the correct response, the other options do not accurately characterize the effects of an overactive immune system in autoimmune diseases. Increased disease resistance and lower susceptibility to infections are outcomes of an effectively functioning immune system rather than hyperactivity. Enhanced tissue repair also does not occur in autoimmune conditions, as the attack on healthy tissues disrupts the normal healing process and can lead to further damage. Thus, option B captures the essential