Bob
Senior Member
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Online article - I haven't found the associated published research.
Breakthrough opens door to safer lupus drugs
May 14, 2015
Monash University
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/05/150514095749.htm
Read full article here:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/05/150514095749.htm
Breakthrough opens door to safer lupus drugs
May 14, 2015
Monash University
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/05/150514095749.htm
Extract from article:Summary: A ground-breaking discovery could revolutionize treatments given to lupus sufferers, saving thousands of people each year from serious illness or death caused by secondary infections, researchers report.
In order to survive, B cells rely on a particular protein -- called B cell Activating Factor of the TNF Family (BAFF), however too much BAFF causes lupus to develop. Each B cell carries three different kinds of receptor that detect BAFF in the blood stream. The receptors are known as BAFF-R, BCMA, and TACI. It is the TACI receptor that responds to excesses of BAFF, becoming overstimulated and triggering production of even stronger autoantibodies to attack healthy tissue.
Researchers found that if the TACI receptor is deleted, the B cells remain intact but lupus doesn't develop no matter how much BAFF is in the blood.
Read full article here:
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/05/150514095749.htm