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New technique identifies pathogenic particles in the blood

Researchers from Aarhus University have developed a revolutionary technique to identify pathogenic particles in the blood, which determine the development of autoimmune diseases like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus. The technique allows for early diagnosis and potentially life-threatening consequences such as blood clots and organ damage.

SourceAarhus University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·TypeExperimental study·DateOct 15, 2021

COVID-19 vaccine elicits antibodies in 90% taking immunosuppressants

Researchers at Washington University School of Medicine found that COVID-19 vaccination elicited a response in nearly nine out of ten people with weakened immune systems. However, the responses were only about one-third as strong as those mounted by healthy people. Despite this, the discovery is encouraging news for a population at hig...

SourceWashU Medicine·JournalAnnals of Internal Medicine·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 30, 2021

Getting under the skin: Tracing prevalence of skin diseases in type 2 diabetes mellitus

A new study examining the association between type 2 diabetes mellitus and skin diseases reveals a strong link between the two conditions. The research, published in Chinese Medical Journal, found that 93.5% of individuals with T2DM had skin problems, including over 47 types of comorbid skin diseases.

SourceCactus Communications·JournalChinese Medical Journal·TypeRandomized controlled/clinical trial·DateAug 16, 2021

Potential biomarker found for lung disease in scleroderma patients

Researchers discovered a protein called CTRP9 associated with pulmonary function in scleroderma patients with interstitial lung disease. Patients with higher CTRP9 levels developed more severe lung disease, while low levels were linked to preserved function. The study suggests CTRP9 could help predict treatment needs for these patients.

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 3, 2021

Maintaining self-control -- The careful balance of the immune system

A new study by University of Tsukuba researchers reveals how two receptors, DNAM-1 and TIGIT, maintain the necessary balance between immune activation and suppression to prevent autoimmune diseases. The findings suggest that an imbalance in this mechanism may contribute to autoimmunity, providing potential targets for treatment.

SourceUniversity of Tsukuba·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateMay 18, 2021

Gene variants increase risk of Addison's disease

A large-scale genetic study found that variants of nine genes increase the risk of developing Addison's disease, a rare autoimmune disorder. The study identified specific gene variants associated with the disease, including the AIRE gene, which plays a crucial role in immune system function.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalNature Communications·DateFeb 11, 2021

Solving the puzzle of IgG4-related disease, the elusive autoimmune disorder

A team of scientists from Tokyo University of Science has made a breakthrough in understanding the inflammation mechanism in IgG4-related disease. They found that cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) and T follicular helper cells (Tfh cells) are necessary for pancreatic inflammation, and propose Janus kinase (JAK) as a suitable therapeutic t...

SourceTokyo University of Science·JournalInternational Immunology·DateDec 18, 2019

Medication linked to increased risk of inflammatory bowel disease

A study of 17,018 individuals with autoimmune diseases found a twofold increased risk of developing Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis after treatment with etanercept. This association suggests that anti-TNFα agents may provoke inflammatory bowel disease through common immune dysregulation mechanisms.

SourceWiley·JournalAlimentary Pharmacology & Therapeutics·DateJul 3, 2019

Researchers identify possible role of Foxp1 protein in control of autoimmune diseases

The study reveals that Foxp1 is essential for the proper functioning of Treg cells, which play a crucial role in regulating immune responses. The findings suggest that targeting Foxp1 could lead to the development of therapies that selectively modulate Treg cell activity, offering new hope for treating autoimmune diseases and cancer.

University of Louisville lab helps discover new disease that causes kidney failure

Researchers at the University of Louisville discovered a new autoimmune disease that causes kidney failure, dubbed anti-brush border antibody (ABBA) disease. The disease was identified after analyzing biopsied kidney tissue from patients with acute kidney injury, and it affects the nephrons' brush borders by coating them with antibodies.

SourceUniversity of Louisville·JournalJournal of the American Society of Nephrology·DateNov 3, 2017

Synthetic carbohydrates against autoimmune diseases

Researchers at the University of Basel have created a treatment approach using customized synthetic glycopolymers that act as molecular sponges to neutralize disease-causing antibodies. This innovative method has potential applications for treating other antibody-mediated autoimmune diseases.

SourceUniversity of Basel·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateApr 17, 2017