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Autoimmune researcher Professor Goodnow Christopher \u2013 Photo by Garvan Institute of Medical Research<\/p>\n Autoimmune researcher Professor Goodnow Christopher \u2013 Photo by Garvan Institute of Medical Research<\/p>\n
Two researchers in the US and Australia have discovered important mechanisms that prevent B cells from attacking the body\u2019s own tissues in autoimmune diseases like arthritis, lupus, and multiple sclerosis\u2014and in the process have won a prestigious prize.<\/p>\n
Normally, the body\u2019s immune system protects us from viruses, bacteria, and foreign substances. However, in autoimmune diseases, the immune system starts attacking tissues in the body instead.<\/p>\n
Researchers had long tried to discover the cause of autoimmune diseases. But, Christopher Goodnow and David Nemazee, independently of each other, adopted a new approach.<\/p>\n
They asked why we do not all develop these diseases. Their focus was on B cells which, together with white blood cells and T cells, are the building blocks of our complex immune system.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have given us a new and detailed understanding of the mechanisms that normally prevent faulty B cells from attacking tissues in the body, explaining why most of us are not affected by autoimmune diseases,\u201d says Olle K\u00e4mpe<\/a>, member of the Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences and chair of the Crafoord Prize committee that awarded the pair 6 million Swedish kronor ($600,000).<\/p>\n Neutralize B cells<\/p>\n In recent years, physicians have started to experiment by using existing drugs to neutralize B cells for patients with severe autoimmune diseases, including lupus<\/a>, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis, which has proven to be very effective at improving their quality of life.<\/p>\n