What Is The Cell Danger Response?

Dr. Susan Monias
Jun 30
3 min read

And What's The Connection To Autoimmunity?

The Cell Danger Response (CDR) is a theory that explains how the body shifts into a protective survival mode when cells detect stress, danger, or injury.

While it is not yet considered a universally established medical model in conventional medicine, many researchers in functional and integrative medicine discuss it because it may help explain chronic inflammation, fatigue, and autoimmunity.

So, let’s discuss it!

Here is the idea in simpler terms

Think of every cell in your body as a tiny, intelligent factory

Making energy
Repairing tissue
Communicating with other cells
Detoxifying
Creating hormones and neurotransmitters
Supporting immune balance

But when a cell senses danger, these activities and priorities change.

These are some possible danger signals for your cells:

Infections (viruses, bacteria, mold)
Toxins or chemicals
Oxidative stress
Trauma
Chronic emotional stress
Poor diet or high sugar intake
Mitochondrial dysfunction
Lack of sleep
Environmental exposures
Inflammation

When our cells receive any of these warning signals, that honestly,

apply to a large percentage of Americans, the cell enters defensive mode.

So, what happens next?

Energy production changes and inflammation increase as communication between cells shifts. The immune system becomes activated while healing and repair become secondary.

Healing and repair become secondary

The body is basically saying…

The CDR-autoimmunity connection

In autoimmunity, the immune system begins attacking the body’s own tissues. Examples include:

Multiple Sclerosis- central nervous system
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis- thyroid
Rheumatoid Arthritis- joints
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus- brain, liver, kidneys, heart, and lungs
Psoriasis primarily skin, but chronic inflammation may also affect the joints, liver, heart, intestines, eyes, and brain

The CDR theory suggests this may happen when cells remain stuck in prolonged “danger mode.” Instead of turning inflammation on temporarily and then turning it back off, the system stays activated.

This might contribute to:

Chronic inflammation
Immune confusion
Immune system hypervigilance
Tissue damage
Loss of immune tolerance
Mitochondrial dysfunction
Nervous system dysfunction

The mitochondrial connection

One of the biggest components of this theory involves the mitochondria.

Mitochondria are known as the energy factories of the cell, but they also act as danger sensors.

When stressed, mitochondria can release signals that activate the immune system.

For example:

ATP normally stays inside the cell, producing energy. But when ATP is released outside the cell, it acts like an alarm signal that says:

“Something is wrong here.”

This can trigger:

Inflammation
Immune activation
Cytokine release
Oxidative stress

When this signaling becomes chronic, the immune system can become hypervigilant.

Chronic cell stress

Researchers believe chronic cell stress can contribute to:

Leaky gut
Chronic viral infections
Nervous system overactivation
Toxic burden
Impaired detoxification
Food sensitivities
Chronic fatigue
Hormone dysregulation

Why and how functional medicine finds answers

Functional healthcare providers find answers because we look in the right places. We listen to believe in the value of what your body’s telling you and consider a wide range of potential causes, including:

Gut health
Blood sugar balance
Sleep
Toxins
Mold exposure
Nutrient deficiencies
Inflammatory response
Mitochondrial support
Nervous system regulation

Why is autoimmunity happening now?

Autoimmunity issues aren’t new, but they are sadly underdiagnosed in America.

Why?

This answer connects back to my “20 Things” Theory.

To summarize, from my birth in 1970 through 1999, many things happened that my body could no longer adapt to. According to the Cell Danger Response (CDR) theory, these stressors may have contributed to my Multiple Sclerosis diagnosis.

Some of my biggest interferences included:

5–7 large silver fillings in my mouth
Experiencing significant stress growing up
Dealing with gut issues and parasites, likely connected to both CDR and food supply factors

My MS diagnosis was my body sounding the loudest alarm it could to get me to correct my autoimmunity.

How I worked to correct my autoimmunity

Having silver (metal) fillings removed
Supporting detoxification and cellular healing
Reducing cellular inflammation
Adding practices such as prayer, meditation, and NET (Neuro Emotional Technique)
Making lifestyle changes to reduce stress
Tracking stress daily using my Oura Ring
Changing the foods I eat
Testing food sensitivities yearly, since sensitivities can change as gut health changes

I also receive quarterly colonics and regularly take diatomaceous earth supplements.

Based on my personal experience and beliefs, these practices have supported gut health and reduced systemic inflammation.

What we do at Dr. Susan Monias

We bring our patients relief and peace by focusing on and addressing inflammation from multiple angles:

Systemic inflammation
Cellular inflammation
Gastric inflammation

My course, Healing M.S./Autoimmunity with the Natural Health Care Paradigm, explains these concepts in greater detail through videos, handouts, and step-by-step guidance.