# Genetic research into autoimmune disease mechanisms > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/genetic-research-into-autoimmune-disease-mechanisms > Updated: 2026-09-07T23:57:08.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2. Recent scientific research has provided new insights into the genetic foundations of autoimmune diseases. An initial study by the Garvan Institute of Medical Research and UNSW Sydney identified over 1,000 genetic switches that cause immune cells to function differently between men and women. These switches, described as molecular ‘volume controls’, reside largely on autosomes and may explain why women often have stronger immune responses but face higher risks of diseases like lupus. Subsequent research from the Karolinska Institutet, utilizing Swedish national registers of millions of individuals, found that autoimmune diseases form distinct genetic clusters based on the specific tissues or organs they affect. The study suggests that rather than a universal predisposition, genetic connections are organized by physiological systems, such as connective tissue, endocrine, or gastrointestinal clusters. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-07: Karolinska Institutet study reveals genetic clusters in autoimmune diseases A study of 6.3 million individuals in Sweden reveals that autoimmune diseases form genetic clusters based on the organs or tissues they affect, rather than sharing a single common genetic basis. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/karolinska-institutet-study-reveals-genetic-clusters-in-autoimmune-diseases ### 2026-08-21: Garvan Institute study identifies 1,000 genetic switches driving sex differences in immunity A study by the Garvan Institute and UNSW Sydney identified 1,000+ genetic switches that cause sex-based differences in immune cell function, explaining higher autoimmune disease rates in women. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/immune-system-research-reveals-sex-based-genetic-differences --- Cite as: Genetic research into autoimmune disease mechanisms. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/genetic-research-into-autoimmune-disease-mechanisms