February 18, 2012
Scientists have discovered a molecular mechanism that could help explain how multiple sclerosis (MS) and other autoimmune diseases can be exacerbated by the onset of an infection.
MS is an autoimmune disease of the central nervous system which affects approximately 100,000 people in the UK.
The research, directed by Dr Bruno Gran at The University of Nottingham, focused on a population of cells of the immune system known as regulatory T cells, which control and regulate the behaviour of other immune cells. The results of this study have been published in the Journal of Immunology.
Dr Bruno Gran, from the School of Clinical Sciences, said: “The connection between infections and MS is complex. We have known for many years that in some cases, infections can promote disease exacerbations (also known as “MS relapses”). Our study sheds light on a new mechanism that could explain how infections can trigger such relapses. This might have relevance to other autoimmune diseases as well”
When the immune system is functioning properly Regulatory T cells – also known as Tregs – keep in check the tendency of other cells of the immune system to over react and cause inflammation when the body is under attack from infectious agents such as bacteria or viruses.
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