10 Rare Autoimmune Diseases. The Catholic Church regards St. Timothy as the patron saint of stomach problems and stomach ailments. NIEHS provides many opportunities for funding to individual researchers, organizations, and businesses. The immune system is a collection of special cells and chemicals that fight infection-causing agents such as bacteria and viruses. Juvenile Myositis. Advertise on Catholic Exchange Abdominal pain or digestive issues. 65(7): 19341941. [. For example, in a disease called vasculitis, your immune system attacks your blood vessels. Lupus: Fever, muscle and joint pain, rashes including "butterfly" facial rash, sun and light . Ovidius is a saint that is best recognized by the Portuguese church. Alexander Godunov Interview, . NIH Autoimmune Diseases Coordinating Committee: Progress in Autoimmune Diseases Research, March 2005. Crucified! Rest in peace. // -->