Centre for Autoimmune Diseases

The Autoimmune Center is a groundbreaking concept - the first of its kind in the world - that brings together various medical specialties under one roof dedicated to addressing autoimmune diseases. Autoimmune diseases occur when the body's immune system, instead of protecting against foreign invaders like viruses, bacteria, and parasites, attacks its own components. There are over 80 autoimmune diseases, some of which target a single system in the body (such as multiple sclerosis affecting the brain) and others that affect multiple systems (such as lupus).

Some of the main diseases are: systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), rheumatoid arthritis (RA), multiple sclerosis (MS), inflammatory bowel diseases, thyroiditis and skin diseases such as pemphigus vulgaris, scleroderma and vitiligo.

How do we treat autoimmune diseases?

The treatment for most autoimmune diseases follows a similar approach, involving the administration of anti-inflammatory medications, predominantly steroids. To mitigate the potential side effects associated with high steroid dosages, immunosuppressive drugs are concurrently introduced.

In recent years, biological drugs have been developed based on antibodies or molecules that function as neutralizing missiles ("iron dome"). These drugs are typically administered through outpatient care. They are goal-oriented and have relatively few side effects.

Research activity

The study of autoimmune diseases conducted at the Autoimmune Center focuses on the etiological aspects of these diseases, such as the link between environmental factors and disease occurrence, as well as the pathogenic processes that occur in various diseases, such as the importance of autoantibodies. Additionally, the center focuses on innovations in treatment and various therapeutic approaches for these diseases. Clinical trials are conducted at the center to evaluate new medications before introducing them for patient treatment.