Autoimmune disease is the result of the body's immune system targeting and attacking its own tissues in the same way that it would normally tackle infection. The tissues affected become inflamed and damaged.
The city of Venice is a major center of culture and tourism in Italy, a country in southeastern Europe. It is famous for its beautiful canals, palaces, and art. The city is built on more than 100 small islands.
These are located in the shallow Venetian Lagoon which stretches along the shoreline, between the mouths of the Po and the Piave Rivers. Parts of Venice are renowned for the beauty of their settings, their architecture, and artwork. The lagoon and a part of the city are listed as a World Heritage Site.