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autoimmune diseases

·October 21, 2019·8 min read

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.

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Autism Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·October 17, 2019·4 min read

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.

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·October 16, 2019·4 min read

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.

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·October 14, 2019·4 min read

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.

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·October 8, 2019·4 min read

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.

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·October 7, 2019·3 min read

Surprise contributor to multiple sclerosis identified

Oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPCs) actively contribute to neuroinflammation associated with multiple sclerosis.

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·October 4, 2019·4 min read

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.

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·September 19, 2019·4 min read

Autoantibodies in pregnancy: A cause of behavioral disorders in the child?

Embryonic damage caused by autoantibodies is implicated in a range of behavioral and psychological disorders, including schizophrenia, autism, and ADHD.

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·September 9, 2019·4 min read

Study identifies first potential biomarker for a debilitating fainting condition

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.

Featured Neurology Neuroscience

·August 22, 2019·3 min read

Treating inflammation with inflammation

Ter119, an inflammatory antibody, has the potential to treat inflammation caused by autoimmune diseases, according to the findings of a new rodent study.

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·August 21, 2019·4 min read

X chromosome gene may explain why women are more prone to autoimmune diseases

Kdm6a, a gene on the X chromosome appears to be associated with the development of autoimmune diseases, such as Multiple Sclerosis. The gene is expressed more in the immune cells of females than males. When Kdm6a was deleted in mouse models of MS, the animals had improved symptoms and reduced inflammation. The findings shed light on why women are more prone to autoimmune diseases than males.