T cells that react to alpha-synuclein are most abundant in the early stages of Parkinson's disease but tend to disappear as the disease progresses. Signs of autoimmunity can appear in Parkinson's patients up to ten years before a diagnosis of the neurodegenerative disease. The detection of T cell response could be an early biomarker for Parkinson's, long before the physical symptoms begin to manifest. Read More
Ursolic acid, a compound abundant in fruit peels and some herbs, appears to decrease further neural damage and help regenerate myelin in mouse models of multiple sclerosis. Study reveals ursolic acid suppresses TH17 cells, which are one of the main drivers in the pathological autoimmune response of MS. Read More
The FDA has approved a new drug named Ozanimod for the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Ozanimod binds to receptors in lymphocytes' surfaces, preventing them from reaching the brain. As the number of active lymphocytes decreases, the attack on the immune system diminishes. Read More
Reducing dietary levels of methionine can slow the onset and progression of inflammatory and autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, in those with high-risk factors. Read More
Two studies reveal the role bile acids play in immunity and inflammation. Read More
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
Researchers link the Human Herpes Virus 6A to the development of multiple sclerosis. Read More
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
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
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
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
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