Women caught in a pickle by their own immune systems
Pregnancy Compensation Hypothesis may explain why women are more prone to developing autoimmune diseases, like multiple sclerosis and lupus, than men.... Read More...
autoimmune diseases
12 genes at the root of multiple sclerosis identified
12 genes associated with familial multiple sclerosis have been identified. The findings provide a molecular rationale for the chronic inflammation, demyelination and neurodegeneration associated with MS. Identifying new genetic targets could help with the development of novel treatments to prevent multiple sclerosis in those with a genetic risk.... Read More...
Nanotechnology treatment reverses multiple sclerosis in mice
Extracting nanosized exosomes from bone marrow stem cells and injecting them into mice, researchers reverse symptoms of multiple sclerosis.... Read More...
New compounds could be used to treat autoimmune disorders
Researchers have developed small molecules that inhibit one of the main enzymes implicated in autoimmune response. The research could lead to potential new medications for a range of autoimmune diseases.... Read More...
Autoimmune disease and stress: Is there a link?
Researchers consider why those with autoimmune diseases are more likely to have a previous diagnosis of stress-related disorders. ... Read More...
Groundbreaking genetic discovery shows why Lupus develops
Rare gene variants BLK and BANK1 are present in a substantial percentage of people with Lupus. The genetic variants suppress 1RF5 and type-1 1Fn in B cells, causing dysfunction in the immune cells.... Read More...
How stressed-out gut bacteria may trigger autoimmune response
Chronic social stress in mice induces the expression of virulent genes in the gut microbiota. The altered microbiota increases the presence of effector T helper cells in the lymph nodes and induces myelin autoreactive cells. Exposure to chronic stress, therefore, may increase the risk of developing autoimmune diseases for some individuals with a susceptibility.... Read More...
Microglia, immune cells of the central nervous system, shown to regulate neuroinflammation
In uveitis, microglia facilitates the entry of inflammatory immune cells into the retina, enabling the host immune responses to attack cells not normally recognized by the immune system.... Read More...
Skin discovery may help explain why women get autoimmune diseases far more often than men
Skin cells may hold the key to explaining why women are more prone to developing autoimmune diseases, such as lupus than men. Researchers found women have more VGLL3 in their skin cells than men. VGLL3 pushes the immune system into overdrive, resulting in the 'self-attacking' autoimmune response, the mouse study revealed. Findings strongly implicate VGLL3 as a pivotal catalyst in sex-based autoimmunity.... Read More...
Study shows promise in repairing damaged myelin
A study in mouse models of multiple sclerosis demonstrates a compound called sobetirome promotes remyelination, and a derivative of the compound can penetrate the blood-brain barrier to enable a tenfold increase in infiltration to the CNS. Researchers are confident their research will translate from mice into humans, providing a new avenue of treatment for MS.... Read More...
Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation shows promise for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis
Non-invasive vagus nerve stimulation reduces inflammation and improves symptoms for those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. The simulation technique helps inhibit the production of cytokines and reduces inflammatory response.... Read More...
Vitamin D study sheds light on immune system effects
Vitamin D causes dendritic cells to produce more CD31, hindering the activation of T cells. The study sheds light on how vitamin D deficiency regulates the immune system and can lead to autoimmune diseases, like multiple sclerosis.... Read More...