[blueash]

Boston Children's Hospital [BCH] is reporting that they have identified a specific type of immune cell, with clearly marked immune characteristics that seems to be responsible for Multiple Sclerosis (MS). From a BCH press release:

Multiple sclerosis is an autoimmune disease affecting both adults and children. It's driven by "helper" T cells, white blood cells that mount an inflammatory attack on the brain and spinal cord, degrading the protective myelin sheath that covers nerve fibers. But there are many different kinds of T helper cells, and up until now, no one knew which ones were the bad actors.

Researchers at Boston Children's Hospital have now pinpointed the specific helper T cells that cause MS, as well as a protein on their surface that marks them. As reported this week in PNAS, an antibody targeting this protein, CXCR6, both prevented and reversed MS in a mouse model.

Using a mouse model they were able to "cure" the mouse of MS. Do NOT expect your doctor to have this cure soon as this is very preliminary but very exciting. Another example of why supporting basic science research is important. Interestingly this breakthrough is at a Children's hospital whereas MS is a predominately adult disease. Sadly this initial work was supported by your tax dollars via the NIH, but further research will be done by a newly created private company, so new they have nothing on their website

[graciegirl]

Targeting certain 'rogue' T cells could combat multiple sclerosis - Boston Children's Discoveries

[jane032657]

Excellent news. My just turned 33 year old pregnant daughter was diagnosed with MS in January this year, two weeks before her wedding. I hope she benefits from this cure before things digress.

[2newyorkers]

My husband also has MS and this is spectacular news. Thank you for posting.

[Barefoot]

Originally Posted by blueash

boston children's hospital [bch] is reporting that they have identified a specific type of immune cell, with clearly marked immune characteristics that seems to be responsible for multiple sclerosis (ms). From a bch press release:

Using a mouse model they were able to "cure" the mouse of ms. Do not expect your doctor to have this cure soon as this is very preliminary but very exciting. Another example of why supporting basic science research is important. Interestingly this breakthrough is at a children's hospital whereas ms is a predominately adult disease. Sadly this initial work was supported by your tax dollars via the nih, but further research will be done by a newly created private company, so new they have nothing on their website

Your post is welcome news for anyone with a friend or a family member with ms.
Very encouraging.

[Velvet]

I had a student once with MS, wonderful news so far!

[thelegges]

Meds for MS can run up to. $12,000 a month. Sadly by the time there is human trials, then approval, it may not be in my lifetime.

[LI SNOWBIRD]

Originally Posted by 2newyorkers

My husband also has MS and this is spectacular news. Thank you for posting.

I'm the husband--I'm so elated!