Scientists believe they have discovered a new way to “switch off” autoimmune diseases, raising hope that there could soon be a treatment for conditions like multiple sclerosis and type 1 diabetes. Such autoimmune diseases trick the body into attacking itself, making the immune system treat harmless proteins as dangerous invaders. But a team at the University of Bristol in England has found that the immune system can be retrained so that it learns that the proteins are safe, says Telegraph.co.uk. The method involves synthesizing harmless proteins and injecting tiny amounts of them into the bloodstream, in slowly increasing doses. It is similar to a new treatment for allergies known as allergic desensitization. Researchers said the finding might help doctors find immunotherapies for individual conditions; the current treatment, which involves suppressing the immune system, can lead to side effects including infections and tumors. “These findings,” says Bristol professor David Wraith, “have important implications for the many patients suffering from autoimmune conditions.”
Seems to me something is going on with food - and though this is good and interesting - I should think being aware of what one is eating would also help with autoimmune diseases... but I am not a doctor.
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