Autoimmune diseases are disorders in which the body's immune system attacks its cells and organs of the body with proteins called autoantibodies; this process is called autoimmunity. Autoimmune liver disease is also called autoimmune hepatitis. Autoimmune hepatitis is a chronic disease of the liver. It is a disease in which the body's immune system attacks the normal components of the liver, or cells and causes swelling and liver damage. The immune system generally protects people from infection by recognizing and destroying bacteria, viruses and other potentially harmful foreign substances. Autoimmune hepatitis is a serious condition, which can worsen the condition if not treated properly on time. Autoimmune hepatitis may cause cirrhosis and liver failure. Cirrhosis occurs when the scar tissue changes the healthy liver tissue and blocks the normal flow of blood through the liver. The liver failure occurs when the liver stops functioning properly.