Article:Molecule linked to autoimmune disease relapses identified at Stanford

[Guest guest]

Molecule linked to autoimmune disease relapses identified at Stanford http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-12/sumc-mlt120106.php STANFORD, Calif. -- The ebb and flow of such autoimmune diseases as multiple sclerosis, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis has long been a perplexing mystery. But new findings from the Stanford University School of Medicine bring scientists closer to solving the puzzle, identifying a molecule that appears to play a central role in relapses.

The study, to be published in the Dec. 3 advance online edition of Nature Immunology, lays the groundwork for a way to determine when a relapse is about to occur, and could eventually lead to a treatment to prevent relapses. "Right now, there is no good blood test to evaluate when a person is going to have a flare-up," said senior author Larry Steinman, MD, professor of neurology and neurological sciences. "If we had one, we might be able to give them prophylactic preventive medication."