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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Hematopoietic stem cell transplantation reversed neuromyelitis optica. Five years following transplantation, only 2 of twelve patients had relapsed.
Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) actively contribute to neuroinflammation associated with multiple sclerosis.
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.
Embryonic damage caused by autoantibodies is implicated in a range of behavioral and psychological disorders, including schizophrenia, autism, and ADHD.
Postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTS), a disorder characterized by sudden fainting, may be an autoimmune disease. A new study reveals 89% of patients with the condition had elevated levels of autoantibodies against the adrenergic alpha 1 receptor. The potential biomarker can be identified via blood samples.
Ter119, an inflammatory antibody, has the potential to treat inflammation caused by autoimmune diseases, according to the findings of a new rodent study.
