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‘Disease in a dish’ study of progressive MS finds critical role for unusual type of brain cell

Researchers identify disease-associated radial glia-like cells that contribute to persistent inflammation and neurodegeneration in progressive multiple sclerosis. These cells exhibit characteristic features of radial glia and display hallmark features of premature aging, fuelling a toxic environment that accelerates neurodegeneration.

SourceUniversity of Cambridge·JournalNeuron·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 10, 2025

New hope for MS

Scientists have identified two compounds, K102 and K110, that could promote remyelination and modulate immune function in multiple sclerosis. These compounds showed promising results in mouse models and human cells, suggesting potential for treating MS and possibly other neurological diseases.

SourceUniversity of California - Riverside·JournalScientific Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 8, 2025

ALS appears to be an autoimmune disease

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered that ALS is likely caused by an autoimmune reaction triggered by inflammatory CD4+ T cells targeting specific proteins in the nervous system. Anti-inflammatory CD4+ T cells may slow disease progression and prolong survival times.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalNature·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 1, 2025

A stunning first look at the viruses inside us

Researchers mapped the surface envelope glycoprotein of human endogenous retroviruses, opening doors to new diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities. The study revealed specific antibodies that target the viral proteins, potentially leading to new cancer immunotherapies and treatments for autoimmune diseases.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·JournalScience Advances·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 27, 2025

Study suggests no link between antibiotic exposure and autoimmune diseases in children

A large-scale study published in PLOS Medicine found no association between early life antibiotic exposure and the development of autoimmune diseases in children. Researchers analyzed data from over 4 million Korean children and discovered no increased risk of Type 1 diabetes, Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, or other autoimmune conditions.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·TypeObservational study·DateAug 21, 2025

Teaching the immune system a new trick could one day level the organ transplant playing field

Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina engineered a new type of immune cell that can precisely target and neutralize antibody-producing cells complicit in organ rejection. This strategy could level the playing field for patients with limited eligibility for organs due to high rejection rates.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalFrontiers in Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 15, 2025

Turning down the dial on inflammation to protect against lupus nephritis

Researchers at Medical University of South Carolina develop a new approach to preventing lupus nephritis by improving kidney cell function. Exposure to serum from patients with lupus nephritis causes inflammation, but simultaneous exposure to L-sepiapterin reduces inflammation and enhances nitric oxide production.

SourceMedical University of South Carolina·JournalLupus Science & Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 4, 2025

When immune commanders misfire: new insights into rheumatoid arthritis inflammation

Researchers have discovered a primate-specific cytokine called IGFL2 that plays a crucial role in regulating inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. IGFL2 boosts the production of autoantibodies and activates immune cells, further amplifying inflammation and joint damage.

SourceInstitute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (ASHBi), Kyoto University·JournalScience Immunology·TypeExperimental study·DateAug 1, 2025

A new diabetes subtype identified in Sub-Saharan Africa and Black Americans, study finds

Researchers have discovered a non-autoimmune form of type 1 diabetes prevalent in young people in Sub-Saharan Africa, differing from the typical autoimmune pattern seen in other regions. The study's findings also suggest an ancestral or genetic link between this subtype and African ancestry in the US.

SourceUniversity of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus·JournalThe Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology·DateJul 21, 2025

Aluminum exposure from childhood vaccines not linked to increased risk of autoimmune, allergic, or neurodevelopmental disorders

A nationwide Danish cohort study found no evidence linking cumulative aluminum exposure from early childhood vaccination to autoimmune, atopic, or neurodevelopmental disorders. The study followed over 1.2 million children and used national health registries to track their aluminum exposure and chronic disorder development.

SourceAmerican College of Physicians·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeNews article·DateJul 14, 2025

Rheumatoid arthritis and muscle wasting: New review points to overlooked complications

Researchers explore the biological mechanisms of myopenia in RA, finding it affects individuals of all ages, with notable muscle mass loss without concurrent fat loss. The review highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic relevance of myopenia in RA, emphasizing the importance of early detection and tailored management strategies.

SourceEditorial Office of West China School of Stomatology, Sichuan University·JournalBone Research·TypeLiterature review·DateJul 10, 2025

A new timeline for Parkinson's disease

Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered that T cell reactivity is highest during the prodromal period in Parkinson's disease, which can last for decades before noticeable symptoms. This finding may guide the development of early diagnostic tools and provide a new timeline for Parkinson's disease detection.

SourceLa Jolla Institute for Immunology·Journalnpj Parkinson s Disease·TypeExperimental study·DateJun 18, 2025

Interactive artificial pancreas better controls type 1 diabetes using digital twins, study finds

A new study published in npj Digital Medicine found that an interactive artificial pancreas system, using digital twins, improved blood sugar control and reduced hemoglobin A1c levels in type 1 diabetes patients. The system adapts to users' changing bodies and allows them to test changes to the system's parameters in a safe simulation ...

SourceUniversity of Virginia Health System·Journalnpj Digital Medicine·DateJun 10, 2025

Primary care clinics can successfully use glucose monitors to help people with diabetes

A new study from the University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus shows that primary care clinics can effectively introduce continuous glucose monitors (CGMs) into their practices. The study found that both self-guided and virtual CGM initiation services were successful, regardless of clinic size or diabetes expertise.

Multiple sclerosis: Triggers in the gut flora

A study of twins reveals that certain bacteria in the small intestine may trigger MS. Researchers identified two specific bacteria, Lachnoclostridium sp and Eisenbergiella tayi, which are associated with the disease. The findings suggest a new potential therapeutic target for MS treatment.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 5, 2025

Rise in expectant mothers in UK with autoimmune diseases since millennium

A recent study published in Lancet Rheumatology found a significant increase in autoimmune conditions among pregnant women in the UK since the millennium. The research analyzed electronic healthcare records from 2000-2021 and discovered a 4.7% rise in expectant mothers beginning pregnancy with autoimmune diseases, including psoriasis, ...

SourceUniversity of Birmingham·JournalThe Lancet Rheumatology·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateJun 2, 2025

Maintaining balance in the immune system

Research from Babraham Institute uncovers importance of RNA binding proteins in regulatory T cell function. The study sheds light on how the immune system maintains balance and forms foundation for understanding age-related inflammation.

SourceBabraham Institute·JournalNature Communications·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 19, 2025

KAIST discovers protein switch that turns anti-viral immune response on and off​

Researchers at KAIST have identified a critical protein called SLIRP that acts as an 'immune switch' regulating immune responses to viruses and autoimmune diseases. Suppressing SLIRP can alleviate abnormal immune responses in patients with Sjögren's syndrome, coronavirus, and encephalomyocarditis virus infection.

SourceThe Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)·JournalCell Reports·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2025

‘Rogue’ immune cells explain why a gluten-free diet fails in some coeliac patients

Researchers discovered that certain immune cells in the gut of refractory coeliac disease patients carry genetic mutations, driving ongoing intestinal inflammation and symptoms. The study's findings suggest a new way to diagnose and potentially treat the most severe form of coeliac disease.

SourceGarvan Institute of Medical Research·JournalScience Translational Medicine·TypeExperimental study·DateMay 15, 2025

Poor heart health increases risk of dementia for Black Americans

A new University of Georgia study found that Black Americans with high blood pressure and diabetes in midlife had significantly higher levels of a dementia-related biomarker over an 11-year period. Early intervention for these chronic health conditions could protect brain health and reduce neurodegenerative diseases later in life.

SourceUniversity of Georgia·JournalJournal of Racial and Ethnic Health Disparities·DateMay 12, 2025