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Autoimmune Disease
Researchers identify infection-fighting protein that signals immune system to attack
February 8th, 2006
Scientists at the University of Michigan Medical School have discovered that a protein in the body called cryopyrin responds to invading bacteria by triggering the activation of a powerful inflammatory molecule called interleukin (IL)-1beta, which signals the immune system to attack pathogens and induces fever to protect the body against infection. The discovery could help scientists understand what causes autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis where the immune system attacks and destroys tissue in the patient's body. "IL-1beta is a master regulator of infection, and it's known to be involved in the development of rheumatoid arthritis," says...
Source: Immunotherapy Weekly (2006-02-08)
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