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Canadian research shows reversal of MS in mice
Posted @ 12-Aug-09 03:20 under MS, News by pmbTags: MS, News
Doctors in Montreal say they have found an experimental treatment for multiple sclerosis that reverses the disorder in mice and could do the same for humans.
MS is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s immune response attacks the central nervous system, leading to progressive physical and cognitive disability.
But the researchers — led by Dr. Jacques Galipeau of the Jewish General Hospital Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research and McGill University — say the new treatment, called GIFT15, puts MS into remission by suppressing that immune response.
The results were published Aug. 9 in the journal Nature Medicine.
The MS Society of Canada welcomed the research, but cautioned its still in its preliminary stage.
“We do need to note that what is demonstrated in animal models may not be replicated in people and this research does not relate to studies in humans at this point in time,” said spokesman Jon Temme.
“Still, this speaks to the many approaches researchers are currently investigating to alter the disease process. “
GIFT15 is composed of two proteins — GSM-CSF and interleukin-15 — fused together artificially.
“When they’re stuck together, they lead to a completely unexpected biological effect,” said Galipeau in a statement.
He added that GIFT15 converts B-cells — normally involved in immune response — into immune-suppressive cells.
“And when we gave them back intravenously to mice ill with multiple sclerosis, the disease went away,” Galipeau said.
There were no significant side-effects, he said, but he cautioned further studies are needed to test the treatment for humans.
The research also suggests GIFT15 may be effective against other autoimmune disorders, such as Crohn’s disease, lupus and arthritis, and might control immune responses in organ transplant recipients.
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