Hope For New Autoimmune Disease Treatment Using Rare Immune Cells

A recent study conducted by researchers from Duke University Medical Center, shows a potential new treatment for debilitating autoimmune diseases. In this study, researchers did an in-lab replication of a rare type of B cell and then infused these cells into mice with a disease similar to multiple sclerosis. To give some background, B cells create an immune response by generating antibodies to attack unwanted pathogens. The specific B cells this study looked at were regulatory or B10 cells. B10 cells are rare but important in the regulation of the immune response. These cells limit autoimmune activity, which means they stop the body from attacking its own healthy tissue. In order for B10 cells to influence immune response, they must interact with T-cells, which are involved in turning on the immune system.

In the study, researchers found that B10 cells only react to certain antigens. When B10 cells bind to these specific antigens, they turn off some of the T cells. This process helps to stop the immune system from harming healthy tissue. When B10 cells were replicated in a lab and then inserted into mice afflicted by multiple sclerosis, their symptoms significantly decreased. The implications of this study show that B10 cell treatment can potentially shut down the autoimmune response in diseases such as multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or even organ rejection. I found this article very interesting because my aunt suffers from rheumatoid arthritis. This potential new treatment option uses natural B10 cells to shut off the overactive immune system and to alleviate the painful symptoms associated with the disease. 

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/251507.php