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Autoantibody order, timing predict genetically at-risk children most likely to get T1D

Children with multiple islet autoantibodies are more likely to progress to symptomatic type 1 diabetes than those who remain positive for a single autoantibody. Detailed information about the order, timing and type of autoantibodies appearing after the first autoantibody can significantly improve prediction of which children are most l...

Twin studies suggest impaired type I interferon signaling may contribute to severe COVID-19 symptoms

Two twin studies report specific mechanisms of impaired type I interferon signaling in hospitalized COVID-19 patients, associating mutations and neutralizing autoantibodies with severe respiratory symptoms. Administering specific type I IFNs to select high-risk patients may offer therapeutic benefits, especially early in the disease co...

Is rheumatoid arthritis two different diseases?

A new study published in PLOS Medicine suggests that rheumatoid arthritis patients with and without autoantibodies have distinct conditions. Longitudinal data from 1,285 RA patients showed improved disease activity but varying long-term outcomes depending on autoantibody status.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS Medicine·DateSep 22, 2020

Antibodies: the body's own antidepressants

Researchers have found that autoantibodies against the NMDA receptor can reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety when they enter the brain. The level of these autoantibodies increases with age and is higher in people subjected to chronic stress, but may also play a positive role in reducing depressive symptoms.

SourceMax-Planck-Gesellschaft·JournalMolecular Psychiatry·DateFeb 24, 2020

New clues to the link between ALS and type 2 diabetes

A study by Karolinska Institutet researchers identifies a molecular mechanism linking ALS and type 2 diabetes, where immunoglobulin G antibodies target calcium channels in pancreatic beta cells, leading to cell death. The findings suggest altered humoral immunity may be a generalized phenomenon for other neurodegenerative diseases.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateDec 9, 2019

New WHO autoantibody reference reagent will benefit SLE patients

A new WHO autoantibody reference reagent has been developed to align autoantibody analyses, improving diagnosis and treatment for patients with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) worldwide. The reference reagent was evaluated in an international study and showed significant improvements in differences between different anti-dsDNA assays.

SourceUppsala University·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·DateSep 5, 2019

Molecular basis of aggression

Researchers identified autoantibodies against adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) in aggressive male prison inmates, showing altered cortisol secretion and decreased time to attack in mice. These findings suggest potential molecular mechanisms underlying human aggression and stress response.

SourceProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateJun 25, 2018

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

36,000 children already tested for early type 1 diabetes

The Fr1da study has detected an early stage of type 1 diabetes in 105 out of 26,760 children aged two to five years. The children have not shown signs of metabolic imbalance, suggesting a potential breakthrough in preventive healthcare. Families are being offered comprehensive support and care.

Researchers find new clue in lupus autoantibody production

Researchers at Penn State College of Medicine have discovered a potential target for treating lupus: interferon gamma. The cytokine stimulates immune cells and is involved in the formation of autoreactive B cells that produce autoantibodies, leading to inflammation and tissue damage.

SourcePenn State·JournalJournal of Experimental Medicine·DateApr 12, 2016

Exposure to mercury, seafood associated with risk factor for autoimmune disease

A new study found that exposure to mercury, even at low levels considered safe, is associated with an increased risk of autoimmunity in women. Researchers analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and found that greater exposure to mercury was linked to a higher rate of autoantibodies, a precursor to autoi...

SourceMichigan Medicine - University of Michigan·JournalEnvironmental Health Perspectives·DateFeb 10, 2015

Identifying targets of autoantibodies

Researchers at Stanford University developed a microarray to identify cytokines, chemokines, and other proteins targeted by SLE patients' autoantibodies. They found that patients with high levels of autoantibodies against B cell activating factor (BAFF) experienced more severe symptoms.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 25, 2013

JCI early table of contents for Nov. 25, 2013

Researchers found that LIF levels were predictive of NPC patient response to radiation therapy, with patients having higher serum levels of LIF being resistant to treatment. LIF itself promotes NPC progression and radioresistance. Circadian clock proteins BMAL1 also regulate redox proteins preventing oxidative stress damage in neurons.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateNov 25, 2013