Multiple Sclerosis patients have a mean, lean, auto machine that is so wild it actually attacks itself! Rather than a weak immune system we have a robust one that doesn’t know when to quit. It turns out we have “policing T-cells” that can keep the naughty ones in check. Normal T-cells “tolerate” ourselves and go after pathogens such as viruses and bacteria. When they go astray, “friendly fire” results. To prevent a “run away immune system” the wayward T-cells must be reeducated. Researchers have found, “CD5 retrains these existing self-reactive T-cells as a way to re-direct their focus of attack,” on the pathogens instead of ourselves. Dr. Daniel Hawiger from the University of Saint Louis University is hoping this discovery will lead to better MS treatments.
To learn more read, “Newly enlisted T-cell ‘policemen’ can slow down run-away immune system, scientists say” at http://www.endevr.com/ms – a summer of an article in March 2015’s Immunity. Image from: perpetuate57.rssing.com.