Testing of autoimmune therapy begins
Article Abstract:
Autoimmune disease is a disorder whereby an immune response is made to a normal component of the body. Autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis, where the immune system destroys the myelin sheath that surrounds nerve cells, and rheumatoid arthritis, where the joints of the body are affected, are usually treated with drugs that suppress the immune system, However, clinical trials are being conducted in patients with multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis using oral antigen therapy, in which the specific proteins that trigger the immune system are fed to the individual. A protein of the myelin sheath will be used for multiple sclerosis and the connective tissue protein collagen will be used for rheumatoid arthritis. The administration of the proteins by feeding causes suppression of the immune response to those proteins. The mechanism of this suppression is not certain, but may involve the activation of suppressor T cells, which release a cellular factor, transforming growth factor beta, that inhibits immune cells. Or, it may involve inactivation or elimination of T cells that stimulate the immune response. Clinical trials will also begin for uveitis, an autoimmune disease affecting the retina, using the S protein, a component of the retina that is involved in disease. This type of therapy should not be as toxic to the individuals as immunosuppressive drugs and will be more specific, affecting the response to only that protein. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Science
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8075
Year: 1991
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Helping neurons find their way
Article Abstract:
Several research teams studying axonal development have that found growing axons are guided to their destinations by chemical repellants as well as attractants. Experimental design and the key molecules found are described.
Publication Name: Science
Subject: Science and technology
ISSN: 0036-8075
Year: 1995
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