New T cell protein halts autoimmune diseases

Researchers have discovered that the molecule Apex1 is crucial for T cells to repair DNA damage during immune responses. Removing Apex1 in mice prevents autoimmune diseases like lupus by stopping harmful T cell activity, suggesting that targeting Apex1 could be a precise and effective treatment for autoimmune disorders and transplant rejection. This breakthrough highlights the potential for therapies that selectively eliminate destructive T cells without compromising overall immune function.