Gene Regulates Immune Cells' Ability To Harm The Body
Main Category: Multiple Sclerosis
Also Included In: Genetics; Arthritis / Rheumatology
Article Date: 17 Jul 2009 - 2:00 PDT

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A recently identified gene allows immune cells to start the self-destructive processes thought to underlie autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and rheumatoid arthritis, researchers at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis have found.

Researchers showed that mice without the Batf gene lacked ...

Genetics studies provide new clues to why people develop MS
06 March 2009

New studies are deciphering the complex picture of genetic characteristics that make people susceptible to MS, thanks to international collaborations and unique population studies. Each gives important new clues about why people get MS. Additional large-scale studies, the first stages of which are already underway, promise to uncover the great majority of genes that convey risk for MS, which would pave ...

Two people received genetherapy (IL-1) for RA with some encouraging results:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/20 ... 153941.htm

--Frank

http://investor.sangamo.com/releasedeta ... eID=331836

--Frank

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Saw a program on TV about it, and found this on the web site.

For the intro video

Her story details

And the MS bit

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/05/13/AR2008051301592.html

In a clinical trial, reported on in the May 13 online issue of Human Gene Therapy, neurological surgeons created six tiny holes in the skull of a patient, and then injected into the brain a liquid containing the healthy CLN2 gene within the harmless adeno-associated virus (AAV).

"The virus is used as a Trojan horse that houses and then delivers a healthy, functional gene into the cells of the brain," Crystal said. "The genes ...

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"Since mast cells are also known to contribute to the progression of several other debilitating diseases, including multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and cancer, an inhibitor of the CRAC channel could, in the future, help in slowing the progression of these diseases as well as alleviate disease symptoms."

Not sure if this falls under gene therapy really, but seemed as good as place as any.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/24/AR2008012402485.html


"It is exciting not only from the standpoint of ALS, but also because of its implications for understanding basic cell biology. Rac1 is implicated in many cellular processes including cellular migration, proliferation and differentiation, and is an important component of inflammatory disease processes," team leader John Engelhardt, head of anatomy and cell biology at UI's Roy J. ...