Civil war’ in immune system can fight disease
The immune system can be trained to attack itself to reverse a devastating autoimmune disease, in animal studies. US researchers treated Pemphigus vulgaris in mice by instigating civil war within the immune system, and say the approach could work in people.
Experts said the treatment, published in the journal Science was creative and successful and they “loved it”.
Autoimmune diseases result from the body’s defences turning rogue and attacking healthy tissue. In Pemphigus vulgaris, some B-cells start producing antibodies that attack the glue holding skin cells together. The result is severe blistering of the skin as well as the lining of the mouth, throat and genitals. It can be fatal.
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