Fat-dissolving bile acids may help regulate gut immunity and inflammation
Two studies reveal the role bile acids play in immunity and inflammation. ... Read More...
autoimmune diseases
The gut may be involved in the development of multiple sclerosis
Increased levels of Smad7 in T-cells is linked to multiple sclerosis-like symptoms in mice. In the intestines, the T-cells were more frequently activated and migrated to the central nervous system, where they triggered inflammation. Similar activation was seen in human patients with multiple sclerosis. The findings provide further evidence that multiple sclerosis may start in the intestines and spread via the CNS.... Read More...
Multiple sclerosis linked to variant of common herpes virus
Researchers link the Human Herpes Virus 6A to the development of multiple sclerosis.... Read More...
Vitamin B12 deficiency: what is Pernicious anemia, and why can it be so dangerous?
Pernicious anemia is an autoimmune disorder associated with vitamin B12 deficiency. The condition not only affects physical health, it also has a detrimental effect on the mental health of many who suffer from the condition.... Read More...
Gut instincts: Researchers discover first clues on how gut health influences brain health
Mice bred to be germ-free, and those treated with antibiotics showed a significant reduction in the ability to learn that a threatening danger was no longer present. Sequencing the RNA of microglia in the brains of the animals reveals altered gene expression in the immune cells, which play a role in remodeling how neurons connect during the learning process. Restoring the gut microbiota reverse the learning problems.... Read More...
Polio-like disease AFM linked to enterovirus
Researchers detected immunological remnants of enterovirus in the nervous systems of more than 12 patients with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM). The findings provide the strongest evidence to date that AFM is caused by a virus. The discovery could lead to improved diagnostics for the condition and the development of a vaccine for AFM.... Read More...
First evidence of immune response targeting brain cells in autism
Examining postmortem brains of ASD patients, researchers discover an accumulation of immune cells surrounding blood vessels in the brain. They also found blebs accumulating around blood vessels that contained astrocyte debris. The findings suggest autism may be an autoimmune disorder.... Read More...
Frontotemporal dementia is associated with alterations in immune system function
Researchers discovered increased inflammatory activity in a subgroup of patients with frontotemporal dementia. The increased inflammation was indicated by elevated levels of cytokines known to increase inflammatory response and decreased levels of IL-10, which reduces inflammation. The inflammation was associated with Parkinsonism's symptoms and rapid cognitive and functional decline. The study also revealed patients with FTD are less likely to develop cancer.... Read More...
Gut immunity more developed before birth than previously thought
The fetal gut has far better developed immune capabilities than previously thought. The findings could help develop new maternal vaccines and provide early insight into potential autoimmune disorders, which may occur later in life.... Read More...
Stem cell transplant reverses disabling MS-like disease
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation reversed neuromyelitis optica. Five years following transplantation, only 2 of twelve patients had relapsed.... Read More...
Surprise contributor to multiple sclerosis identified
Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) actively contribute to neuroinflammation associated with multiple sclerosis.... Read More...
Targeting certain rogue T cells prevents and reverses multiple sclerosis: Mouse study
TH17 cells produced increased amounts of SerpinB1, a protein implicated in multiple sclerosis symptoms. SerpinB1 cells were identified with antibodies targeting the CXCR6 surface protein. Using monoclonal antibodies to target CXCR6, the cells disappeared significantly, and the mice primed to develop MS did not develop the disease.... Read More...