Discovery of a 'master switch' within the immune system

[Judi Lynn]

Discovery of a 'master switch' within the immune system

By Ananya Mandal, MDFeb 14 2019

Researchers Professor Graham Lord, from The University of Manchester and colleagues have found that a specific part of the immune system could have the tools that may help in the therapy of some major diseases such as diabetes, cancer, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease and other autoimmune diseases. The results of their findings were published in the latest issue of The Journal of Clinical Investigation this week.

The team of researchers found that there was a molecular pathway in the body that is regulated by a molecule - known as microRNA-142. The decade long study found that this microRNA-142 can control Regulatory T cells and this can modulate and change the immune system and stop autoimmune diseases. This molecule was found in abundance in the immune system.

Professor Lord earlier from King’s College, London and now Vice President and Dean of the Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health at The University of Manchester, said in a statement, “Autoimmune diseases often target people in the prime of their life creating a significant socio-economic burden on them. Sometimes, the effect can be devastating, causing terrible hardship and suffering. But these findings represent a significant step forward in the understanding of the immune system and we believe many people worldwide may benefit.” The study was in collaboration with Professor Richard Jenner at UCL.

Autoimmune disease in fact affect the human body is several ways and a large number of diseases have their basis on autoimmune mechanisms they explain. The authors explain that there are Regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the body that regulate the excessive immune activity. In cases of autoimmune diseases Tregs are seen in low levels and the immune system goes into an overdrive and attacks healthy tissues and organs.

More:
https://www.news-medical.net/news/20190214/Discovery-of-a-master-switch-within-the-immune-system.aspx

[PoindexterOglethorpe]

1. Hmmm. Very interesting.

My sons both have alopecia areata, an auto immune disease that causes hair loss. It is, quite frankly the most benign of all the auto immune diseases. But since they have aa, I'm quite interested in all the auto immune diseases.

[GeoWilliam750]

2. There are also aspects of this in the book, "10% Human"

Good read.

[pazzyanne]

3. This strikes home for me!

I have Microscopic Polyangiitis, a fatal autoimmune disease. It is the second most serious of the vasculitis diseases. I am on Rituxan infusions that kill B and T cells and that has me in remission. This is very interesting in that it focuses on the T cells. I will be talking to my rheumatologist ASAP. Thank you for sharing, Judi Lynn.

[Wawannabe]

4. Pazzyanne

I am sorry to hear that you have a fatal disease. Glad that you are in remission, too. Take care of yourself and fingers crossed this is an avenue for your condition.

Happy Valentine.

[pazzyanne]

5. Thank you and a Happy Valentine's Day to you, Wawannabe!

[Wawannabe]

6. Adding my thanks!

Judi Lynn. Not gonna elaborate but the timing of this post/news to me... is pretty special.

[LittleGirl]

7. Tears! Thank you for sharing this! eom