Figure 1. The development of autoimmune disease depends on a combination of genetic and environmental factors like hormones, diet, toxins, drugs and infections. Genetic predisposition accounts for only about one-third of the risk of developing an autoimmune disease, while noninherited environmental factors account for the remaining 70% risk.

Figure 2. Alterations in mechanisms that regulate inflammation, whether due to genes and/or environment, contribute to the progression from autoimmunity to autoimmune disease. Autoimmune responses are usually generated in the process of mounting an immune response to foreign antigens, but autoimmune disease results only if autoimmunity persists and is poorly regulated.