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An autoantibody is a type of antibody produced by the immune system that mistakenly targets and attacks the body's own healthy cells and tissues, leading to potential inflammation or disease. This phenomenon is central to autoimmune disorders, but in some cases, autoantibodies can exist at low levels in healthy individuals without causing harm, highlighting the immune system's delicate balance. Modern medicine uses them as biomarkers for early diagnosis and monitoring of conditions like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis.
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