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New evidence indicates vitiligo-associated autoimmunity may contribute to reduced morbidity and mortality risk

Patients with vitiligo show a 25% decreased risk of mortality compared to controls, suggesting an autoimmune protective effect. The study found lower mortality rates for patients with vitiligo due to cancer and other causes, offering new avenues for research into mechanisms underlying this protective effect.

SourceElsevier·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 19, 2023

COVID-19 can trigger auto-immune disorders-related antibodies, causing thrombosis and other complications

A study published in NPJ Aging reveals that COVID-19 exacerbates production of auto-antibodies associated with blood clotting disorders and aging. Researchers found that severe COVID-19 cases display a significant age-related increase in auto-antibodies, which can lead to tissue injury and organ damage.

Cartesian Therapeutics announces landmark study in The Lancet Neurology of first successful clinical trial of RNA cell therapy in autoimmunity

Cartesian Therapeutics has successfully treated patients with generalized myasthenia gravis using an RNA CAR-T therapy. The trial demonstrated marked and long-lasting clinical improvement, with three patients achieving complete or near-complete eradication of disease symptoms.

SourceCartesian Therapeutics·JournalThe Lancet Neurology·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateJun 22, 2023

Researchers identify potential new strategy to prevent side effects from immunotherapy

Researchers at UCLA Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center have found a potential therapeutic target, IL-21, to reduce endocrine autoimmune side effects from checkpoint immunotherapy. A specific group of immune cells play a central role in this autoimmune attack and blocking IL-21 prevents thyroid autoimmunity.

SourceUniversity of California - Los Angeles Health Sciences·JournalScience Translational Medicine·DateMay 17, 2023

Salt cuts off the energy supply to immune regulators

A new study found that excessive salt intake disrupts the energy metabolism of regulatory T cells, leading to dysfunction. This may have implications for autoimmune and cardiovascular diseases. The research suggests that sodium can alter gene expression and trigger malfunctions in mitochondrial energy generation.

SourceMax Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association·JournalCell Metabolism·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 9, 2023

Antibodies to common antibiotic possible new risk factor for type 1 diabetes

A study found that antibodies to common antibiotic gentamicin are associated with an increased risk of progression to type 1 diabetes in children already genetically at risk. The researchers also identified an association between the FUT2 gene and the production of these antibodies, which may be compounding risks for type 1 diabetes.

SourceMedical College of Georgia at Augusta University·JournalNature Communications·DateDec 8, 2022

Type 1 diabetes: New findings on the development of the autoimmune disease in children

A long-term study on infants and young children with increased genetic risk of type 1 diabetes found that metabolic changes occur much earlier than previously assumed. Blood sugar levels were found to be higher in children who developed autoimmunity, suggesting a potential indicator for islet cell dysfunction.

BU researchers test a novel hypothesis to explain the cause of autoimmunity in patients with type 1 diabetes

Researchers from Boston University School of Medicine have developed a testable hypothesis to explain the initiation of autoimmunity in type 1 diabetes. The study suggests that metabolic communication between immune cells and pancreatic beta-cells plays a crucial role in the disease's progression.

SourceBoston University School of Medicine·JournalDiabetes·TypeExperimental study·DateSep 23, 2022

Finding a way to defend a self-attack

Osaka University researchers identified medullary thymic epithelial cells (mTECs) expressing neuromuscular molecules in myasthenia gravis-thymoma samples. These findings suggest a new connection between the two diseases and may lead to novel therapeutic methods.

SourceOsaka University·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateJul 28, 2022

Boot camp for the immune system

A new study led by researchers at Harvard Medical School identifies a novel mechanism underlying the selective ability of immune cells to differentiate between self and non-self. The discovery sheds light on how T cells learn to recognize proteins made by thymus cells that mimic various tissues throughout the body.

SourceHarvard Medical School·JournalCell·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 27, 2022

Findings open way for personalised MS treatment

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have developed a method to identify the immune cells involved in autoimmune diseases and identified four new target molecules for personalized treatment of multiple sclerosis. This approach could lead to more precise treatments with fewer side effects, potentially benefiting other autoimmune diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalScience Advances·DateApr 27, 2022

New way viruses trigger autoimmunity discovered

Researchers discovered a viral infection can trigger autoimmunity in mice by disrupting the thymus's screening process for self-destructive T cells. Infection with murine roseolovirus led to autoimmune gastritis months later, highlighting a previously unknown way viruses can trigger autoimmunity.

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateFeb 28, 2022

‘Off target’ metabolic effects of anti-inflammatory drugs used for autoimmune disorders needs better treatment strategy

A large-scale review of anti-inflammatory drugs used for autoimmune disorders suggests that current treatments can worsen lipid metabolism, leading to increased cardiovascular disease risk. Researchers propose the development of combination therapies targeting lipid metabolism to reduce immune complications and CVD risk in patients.

SourceUniversity College London·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·TypeLiterature review·DateJan 18, 2022

TEDDY study compares characteristics of children diagnosed with type 1 diabetes before and after age 6

The study analyzed data from 8,502 genetically high-risk children and found that half developed type 1 diabetes before age 6, while the other half developed it between ages 6 and 12. The findings suggest a different form of type 1 diabetes emerges in children as they grow older.

SourceUniversity of South Florida (USF Health)·JournalDiabetologia·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateOct 21, 2021