Immune Tolerant Cells in Autoimmune Diseases
Feb
7
Written by:
2/7/2012
Homeostasis is a natural process in which the body's various systems and organs work together to combat disease. Researchers at McMaster University in Ontario, Canada have found a dramatic example of homeostasis that offers promise in autoimmune disorders.
These researchers have discovered a molecule called "alpha v beta 6" that the body normally uses to prevent unnecessary immune reactions. In animal studies, it was discovered that mice produced alphavbeta6 in their intestines when they were absorbing food. Combined with food, the alphavbeta6 caused the body to produce immune tolerant cells.
One of the researchers Dr. Ping-Chang Yang, reported that these findings have the potential to repair the compromised immune tolerant system, which would correct and prevent the development of autoimmune disorders. While more research is needed before the therapeutic applications of this discovery can be accessed, the potential for an autoimmune disease treatment is there.
Source: "Future Treatment? Immune tolerant cells generated in new research," In Focus Newsletter, American Autoimmune and Related Disorders Association, December, 2011.