Infusions of regulatory T cells turn off autoimmune attack
on joints
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute scientists have demonstrated a
new strategy for treating autoimmune disease that successfully blocked the
development of rheumatoid arthritis in a mouse model. They say it holds promise
for improved treatment of arthritis and other autoimmune disorders in people.
The scientists report in the Journal of Clinical
Investigation that infusing a highly specific type of cell that regulates
immune responses into arthritis-prone mice shuts down the cascade of inflammation
that damages tissues and joints.