What is an example of a disease that is an autoimmune disorder?

Psoriasis is considered an autoimmune disorder because it occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy skin cells, leading to the rapid growth and turnover of skin cells. This results in the buildup of cells on the surface of the skin, forming scales and red patches that can be itchy and sometimes painful. In autoimmune disorders, the body’s immune system, which is intended to protect against pathogens, instead becomes misdirected and attacks healthy tissues, which is exactly what happens in psoriasis.

In contrast, other options presented relate to different types of conditions. AIDS is an immunodeficiency disorder caused by the HIV virus, which weakens the immune system rather than causing it to attack itself. Diabetes, specifically Type 1, can be an autoimmune condition; however, Type 2 is primarily related to insulin resistance and is not classified as autoimmune. Lyme disease is an infectious illness caused by bacteria transmitted by tick bites and does not involve an autoimmune response. Therefore, psoriasis stands out as a clear example of an autoimmune disorder due to its mechanism of action involving the immune system's misdirected attack on the body’s own tissues.