All articles tagged with #autoimmune disease
Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease marked by joint pain, morning stiffness, swelling, and fatigue; early diagnosis and treatment with DMARDs and biologics, along with physical therapy, regular movement, sleep, stress management, and an anti-inflammatory diet, can slow progression and protect joints, though symptoms can wax and wane and may include mood changes and other systemic effects.
A long-term analysis from King’s College London shows that a 12-month course of abatacept in people at high risk of rheumatoid arthritis can delay disease onset by up to four years, with benefits persisting after treatment ends; strongest effects were in those at highest risk identified by specific autoantibodies, and while the therapy does not permanently prevent RA, early immune modulation may lessen future symptom burden and support preventive strategies, with safety comparable to placebo.
Ultra-accurate sequencing shows somatic mutations in immune cells, especially B cells, can disable immune brakes and drive thyroid autoimmune diseases (Hashimoto’s and Graves’). This polyclonal evolution suggests a new mechanism beyond inheritance and hints at precision therapies that target mutant cell clones rather than broad immune suppression.
A patient with Sjogren’s syndrome experienced dramatic relief from monthly injections of ianalumab during a clinical trial, with signs of improved saliva production, less dryness and renewed energy. Experts say the therapy targets the underlying immune attack and could become the first targeted Sjogren’s treatment, potentially rolling out on the NHS in coming years. While promising, the drug can have side effects such as occasional low mood, and responses may vary between patients.
A BuzzFeed list highlights 21 conditions many people dismiss as 'minor' but that profoundly affect daily life—from sleep disruption and chronic pain to migraines, GI issues, and autoimmune diseases—sharing Reddit stories to illuminate the real, lived impact.
Raynaud phenomenon occurs when small blood vessels overreact to cold or stress, causing color changes in fingers/toes (blue, white, red) and sometimes ulcers; primary Raynaud is common and usually harmless, while secondary Raynaud can accompany autoimmune diseases and be more severe. Diagnosis uses nailfold capillaroscopy and blood tests; treatments include off-label options like calcium channel blockers and, in severe cases, epoprostenol infusions. Prevention focuses on avoiding triggers, gradual warming, staying warm, stress reduction, and minimizing caffeine, nicotine, and other vasoconstrictors.
A large analysis of healthy human gut bacteria shows that about 80% of Pseudomonadota carry intact type III secretion systems, with over 90% possessing a host-directed secretion system. The researchers built a meta-interactome linking commensal effectors to human proteins, finding effector-target neighborhoods enriched for genetic variation tied to immune and metabolic diseases. Metagenomic data show effector enrichment in Crohn’s disease but depletion in ulcerative colitis. Functionally, commensal effectors can translocate into human cells and modulate NF-κB signaling and cytokine secretion in vitro, suggesting T3SS contribute to microbiome–host communication and may influence health and disease.
The piece argues Alzheimer's may be primarily an autoimmune disorder of the brain rather than just a brain disease, challenging the traditional beta-amyloid focus and the controversial aducanumab approval. It posits beta-amyloid may be part of the brain’s immune response that goes awry, driving dementia, while other theories (mitochondrial dysfunction, infections, metal handling) gain traction. With Alzheimer's affecting tens of millions worldwide, the article calls for new immune- and mechanism-based therapies and directions.
Groundbreaking research suggests that the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), common in childhood, may be the trigger for lupus by causing immune cells to attack the body's tissues, potentially leading to new treatments and vaccine development.
The article shares Ruth Wilson's experience living with lupus, a complex autoimmune disease, highlighting her long diagnosis journey, daily struggles, treatment, and her efforts to support others and raise awareness about the disease.
The Stray Cats have canceled their upcoming 2025 tour due to frontman Brian Setzer's serious illness, which is related to an autoimmune disease that has affected his ability to play guitar. Refunds will be issued to fans, and the band had recently released new music after a six-year hiatus.
A Hertfordshire mother and biology teacher, Emily Henders, has become the first UK patient to receive a pioneering CAR T cell therapy in a clinical trial aimed at treating multiple sclerosis, a disease that causes immune system attacks on nerves. The experimental treatment, which depletes B cells to reset the immune system, offers hope for slowing or halting disease progression and could be a gamechanger if successful.
Researchers have developed a technology to reprogram rogue T cells into protective Treg cells, demonstrating targeted therapy for autoimmune diseases like pemphigus vulgaris, inflammatory bowel disease, and graft-versus-host disease in mouse models, potentially leading to safer, personalized treatments.
Lynn Milam's severe rheumatoid arthritis was dramatically improved by an FDA-approved nerve-stimulating implant that targets the vagus nerve, restoring her mobility and quality of life, and potentially offering a new treatment avenue for other autoimmune diseases.
The FDA has approved a device that uses electrical stimulation of the vagus nerve to reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis patients, offering a new treatment option for those unresponsive to drugs, with promising results including pain relief and improved mobility.