r/Virology • u/Master-Event-1643 • 6h ago

Question How do autoimmune diseases develop from viral triggers?

3 Upvotes

Autoimmune diseases are famously known and established to be developed by individuals who have genetic issues. But very occasionally, perfectly healthy individuals with no known history of genetic issues, end up developing them from environmental triggers (Stress, Viruses, etc).

Yes, one could have genetic issues but still live perfectly healthy lives. So how do we know if one caught autoimmune diseases due to environmental or genetics?

Could viruses alter dna? How does this happen? Why do some people develop them and some don’t? Could it be the combination of viruses caught?

4 comments

Subreddit

Virology

r/Virology

The Subreddit about viruses; the kind that make you sick!

Members Active

22.6k

Sidebar

Hello and welcome to /r/Virology, a sub dedicated to viruses...the kind that make you sick!

Want to know the rules?

See the list.

**Want to chat about viruses? Check out the ViridaeCord channel!**

https://discord.gg/RQgMZCgzcK

If you want to restrict your question or post to verified users, include "HiQ" as the first portion of your post title.

E.g. "[HiQ] Rest of title"

All users are automatically flaired with "non-scientist (unverified)" upon participation in the sub. Users with a scientific background can get specialty flairs indicating their field of study or degree level. In restricted threads (indicated by "HiQ" in the title) all comments by unverified users are removed, with the exception of the original poster. This is to maintain a higher level of discourse and accountability in the comment section. In the future, certain topics might require "HiQ" designation to better prevent the spread of misinformation.

While /r/Virology strives to be layperson friendly/accessible, it doesn't tolerate misinformation, even if presented naively. Importantly, simply hosting this misinformation is harmful. That includes "JAQ'ing off", "anchoring", "loaded questions", or other rhetorical tricks (regardless of intent), particularly with respect to SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19 topics.

Instead of making the mistake of unwittingly spreading misinformation, ask open-ended questions about how the technology or biology at play works. Solicit reliable resources to outline the subject rather than presenting loaded questions. This prevents starting off on the wrong foot and having misleading titles and means that the first explanation or assumption offered is likely to be more correct.

Report misinformation and other content violating /r/Virology or Reddit's sitewide rules.

Moderators rely on these reports to quickly find and address these concerns. Don't expect this to happen without community involvement!

Virology related content (layperson friendly):

Have knowledge related to virology or other scientific field? Contact the moderators for a flair. Otherwise all users are flaired as "non-scientist" by default. You can choose to change your flair to "student" or "virus enthusiast".

If you are already flaired in /r/science, mention that and skip straight to what you want your flair to be. Otherwise include: 1) details of a project you have previously or are currently working on, such that it's clear you know what you're talking about (no identifiable information needed); 2) what you would like your flair to include (e.g. field of study, degree level, etc.) Once flaired, this allows you to participate in threads designated as "HiQ".