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At least 10 million Americans suffer from autoimmune diseases. But the causes remain a mystery.
The immune system has an army of cells that fight off viruses or bacteria, often by producing antibodies to destroy them. But sometimes immune cells produce antibodies that attack the body's OWN tissues. It's not known WHY... but Dr. Noel Rose, Professor of Molecular Biology and Immunology at Johns Hopkins, says genes may play a role.
(ROSE :24)
"You inherit a predisposition, but I think you also need something environmental. In thyroid disease, we're looking now at the role of iodine in the diet. Myocarditis is definitely produced by a virus in the mouse and, we think, in humans. So sight now, we concentrating on trying to learn how this virus, this coxsackie virus, could possibly induce autoimmune disease of the heart."
(TRACK :12)
Viruses are also suspected in multiple sclerosis and Type One diabetes. But because so little is known about viruses or other "antigens" which cause the immune system to attack healthy tissues, current treatments can only suppress the attack... not stop it.
(ROSE :14)
"If we can identify the antigen responsible for the disease, then there will certainly be ways we can deliberately turn off the harmful immune response. That we can do in animals."
(TRACK :17)
As more is learned about genetics, vulnerable people can be targeted for therapy. Researchers right now are testing a vaccine aimed at preventing rheumatoid arthritis in people found to carry certain genes associated with the disease.
Note: For more information, contact the American Autoimmune and Related Diseases Association at 1-800-598-4668. On the web: www.aarda.org.
"Report on Medicine" is produced by Rita Baron-Faust, in cooperation with New York University School of Medicine. Queries about "Report on Medicine" can be e-mailed directly to NYU Medical Center at: nyumc.press@mcdev.med.nyu.edu
