-- A newly published study reveals a pioneering discovery, possibly changing the way experts view and study immunology. The findings, documented by researchers at the University of California, Davis, determined that early introduction of inflammatory cytokines results in paralysis of CD4 T cells – the immune cells that are responsible for the body’s reaction to foreign invaders.
This breakthrough could help to pave the way for more effective therapies and treatments for patients faced with cancer and autoimmune diseases, like multiple sclerosis and HIV. Additionally, this new approach could help to improve the ability of transplant patients to tolerate to new organs, and support recovery of sepsis.
Researchers developed this approach by evaluating the action of T cells. When the cells perceive an antigen, the body sends defense signals that cause inflammatory cytokines to develop into an immune response. Three signals and the timing of their release are key factors in manipulating the way the body responds to invaders. Current immunotherapies activate the immune system, but this historic discovery will likely change this approach.
When asked directly about these results, research author Gail Sckisel said “There’s a three-signal process to activate T cells of which each component is essential for proper activation – but no one has really looked at what happens if they are delivered out of sequence. We found that, if the third signal – cytokines – is given prematurely, it basically paralyzes CD4 T cells. Considering how T cells respond, that approach could damage a patient’s ability to fight off pathogens. While immunotherapies might fight cancer, they may open the door to opportunistic infections.”
Derrick Callahan, representative for Fenvir, offered a comment on this new discovery, saying “These findings could lead to further improvements in the treatment of diseases we know very little about, and opens the gates to finding a treatment that can help so many people dealing with constant pain and ineffective therapies. With creative study participants like the team at UC Davis making developments like this every day, we can only hope that it won’t be too long before we really know how to attack and cure these diseases.”
Those interested in learning more about this new development should visit http://www.fenvir.com/immune-process-discovered. While there, readers are invited to take full advantage of the wealth of information available on the company site.
Release ID: 90274