It is not uncommon to find autoimmune disease associated with lymphoid tumors. For example, myasthenia gravis may be associated with the presence of thymoma (tumor originating from the thymus).
In humans there is a four fold increase in the incidence of rheumatoid disease in patients with malignant lymphoid tumor, and there is evidence for a similar association in other animals.
Since development of tumor is an indication of failure in immunological control mechanism, simultaneous failure in self tolerance may also occur. Alternatively, some tumors may represent the development of a “forbidden clone” of cells producing auto antibodies.
Binding of Certain Drugs/Chemicals;
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Some drugs or chemicals fasten to the surface of certain cells. Immune response raised by the antibodies attachment to this foreign substance destroys the cell also along with the removal of foreign substance.
Hemolytic anemia following exposure to antibiotic drug penicillin is a very good example for this kind of auto immunity.