Preventing an Undesirable Immune Response

Few examples of undesirable immune responses include those directed against the host (autoimmunity), transplanted organs (transplant rejection) or a harmless substance (allergies).

The immune system can run awry in many ways. In each case, the immune system is reacting to the presence of a molecule known as an antigen. Currently, the best treatment options involve broad spectrum suppression of the immune system, which increases susceptibility to infection. A preferable solution would be to specifically turn off the immune cells that respond to non-threatening objects.

Link Between Blood Clotting, Immune Response Identified
An association between a protein that triggers the formation of blood clots and other proteins that are essential for the body's immune system has been discovered by researchers.

In this issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation, Dr. James Paulson and colleagues at The Scripps Research Institute in La Jolla, California used antigen-decorated nanoparticles to block the development of antibodies to a immune response-inducing antigens in mice. In an accompanying commentary, Edward Clark of the University of Washington discusses how this finding could lead to therapeutic agents capable of precisely controlling our immune system, allowing favorable responses and inhibiting unfavorable responses.

Source-Eurekalert

Temporarily Blocking Protein Vital for Immune Response can Help Body Clear Chronic Infections
Researchers at UCLA suggest that the body can clear itself of chronic infection when a protein critical to the immune response is temporarily blocked.

Blocking Immune Response Protein may be Key to Treating HIV: UCLA Scientists
UCLA scientists who have found that blocking a protein critical to immune response temporarily actually helps the body clear itself of chronic infection.

Mosquitoes Influenced by Immune Response, Not Parasitic Attack
Entomologists suggest that malaria-carrying mosquitoes may not be manipulated by the parasites that they carry, infact, it may just be an immune response