
Illustration by The Epoch Times, Shutterstock
For most of the 20th century, scientists pictured the immune system as the body’s ever-vigilant army—standing guard against germs, viruses, and rogue cells. Yet one question remained: What keeps this army from mistakenly attacking the body itself?
For millions with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases like Type 1 diabetes or lupus, the question is personal—these lifelong illnesses bring painful symptoms and harsh immune-suppressing treatments.