Tag

Autoantibodies

All articles tagged with #autoantibodies

IL-10 Autoantibodies May Drive Inflammatory Bowel Disease in a Subset of Patients
science18 days ago

IL-10 Autoantibodies May Drive Inflammatory Bowel Disease in a Subset of Patients

A 2026 NEJM study analyzing data from more than 4,900 people with inflammatory bowel disease found that about 3.5% carry autoantibodies that block interleukin-10, effectively removing an anti-inflammatory brake and potentially driving disease in this subset; the autoantibibody presence is linked to the HLA-DRB1*01:03 variant, suggesting possibilities for early genetic testing and more targeted, mechanism-based therapies.

science23 days ago

Autoantibodies May Drive Neurological Symptoms in a Subset of Long COVID Patients

A NIH-funded study found autoantibodies that target the nervous system are present in some Long COVID patients and may be linked to neurological symptoms; experiments transferring these antibodies to mice reproduced pain sensitivity, balance issues, and fatigue, suggesting autoimmunity could underlie a subset of Long COVID symptoms and might guide targeted therapies, though more research is needed to map specific antibodies and confirm causality.

Genetic Variant Tied to IBD Drives Disease via IL-10–Neutralizing Antibodies
science23 days ago

Genetic Variant Tied to IBD Drives Disease via IL-10–Neutralizing Antibodies

A UK-Denmark study links the IBD-associated HLA-DRB1*01:03 variant to antibodies that neutralize interleukin-10, removing its anti-inflammatory brake and driving disease in about 3.5% of patients (2.5% Crohn’s, 4.4% ulcerative colitis); the finding, published in The New England Journal of Medicine, points to targeted therapies for this subgroup.

Paving the Way to Prevent RA: Researchers Target a Hidden Preclinical Window
health5 months ago

Paving the Way to Prevent RA: Researchers Target a Hidden Preclinical Window

Rheumatoid arthritis has no cure, but researchers are identifying a preclinical window years before joint swelling to predict who will develop RA using autoantibodies (RF and anti-CCP) and clues from mucosal sites, and they’re testing preventive treatments in trials with immune drugs to delay or prevent the disease—though no approved prevention exists yet. Key challenges include accurately predicting progression and recruiting suitable participants.

Genetics shape who survives infections once thought harmless
science5 months ago

Genetics shape who survives infections once thought harmless

A Nature News feature explains that inherited immune-system mutations—and, more recently, autoantibodies against interferons—help determine why some people die from microbes that are usually harmless. Researchers have cataloged hundreds of inborn errors of immunity (IEIs) across many genes, with defects like interferon-γ receptor mutations causing severe mycobacterial disease, and autoantibodies linked to severe COVID-19 and other infections. Some mutations can even confer protection against specific pathogens (e.g., CCR5 against HIV). With incomplete penetrance and epigenetic regulation, IEIs can vary by cell type and over a person’s lifetime, prompting genetic screening and targeted therapies to prevent or treat severe infections.

Failed Long Covid Drug Trial Offers Study Design Insights
health11 months ago

Failed Long Covid Drug Trial Offers Study Design Insights

A Phase 2 clinical trial of the drug BC 007 for long Covid failed due to poor study design, including unreliable participant selection and outcome measures, highlighting the complexities of researching this diverse condition. Despite the setback, future research is planned with improved methods, and other studies have shown more promising results in specific subgroups, emphasizing the need for precise patient stratification and collaboration with patients in trial design.

"Early Detection of Multiple Sclerosis Through Blood Test Biomarkers"
health2 years ago

"Early Detection of Multiple Sclerosis Through Blood Test Biomarkers"

Researchers have identified a specific pattern of autoantibodies in the blood that precedes the clinical onset of multiple sclerosis (MS), potentially allowing for early diagnosis and treatment. This discovery could lead to a simple blood test for early detection of MS, paving the way for timely intervention with more effective therapies. The study found that 10% of MS patients displayed a unique set of autoantibodies against both human proteins and common pathogens like the Epstein-Barr Virus years before showing symptoms, and this pattern was 100% predictive of an MS diagnosis.

The Lingering Impact of Viral Infections on Health
health2 years ago

The Lingering Impact of Viral Infections on Health

Mounting evidence suggests that the coronavirus can cause autoimmune disorders in some individuals, even separate from the long-term health problems associated with long Covid. Infections with other viruses, such as Epstein-Barr virus, have also been linked to autoimmunity. Scientists believe that certain individuals may be more susceptible to developing autoimmune conditions due to a combination of genetic factors and environmental triggers. Rigorous studies are needed to conclusively link viruses to autoimmune conditions, but research on Epstein-Barr virus and multiple sclerosis has shown a strong association. Treatments targeting viral proteins or using antiviral drugs and vaccination may offer relief for some individuals experiencing autoimmune symptoms.

Autoantibodies against blood clotting protein may determine COVID-19 severity
medical-science-news3 years ago

Autoantibodies against blood clotting protein may determine COVID-19 severity

A study published in Scientific Reports found that autoantibodies against the blood clotting protein ADAMTS13 were observed in nearly one-third of hospitalized COVID-19 patients, indicating a potential role in disease severity. These autoantibodies, along with increased levels of von Willibrand factor (VWF), contributed to a decreased ADAMTS13/VWF ratio, which is associated with COVID-19 severity. The study suggests that measuring ADAMTS13 autoantibody levels could be useful in predicting the severity of COVID-19. Plasma exchange therapy was also found to restore the balance between VWF and ADAMTS13, providing a potential treatment option for severe COVID-19 cases.