(Ivanhoe Newswire) -- People with rheumatoid arthritis are generally
either lacking a gene needed to keep their immune system from attacking their
own body, or have a dysfunctional form of the gene.
British researchers are working to reverse this process. In an animal study,
they were able to successfully inject a correct copy of the gene, known as
Foxp3, into animals where it was missing. “We have generated a modified form of
Foxp3 which can be introduced into immune cells using genetic engineering
techniques and then activated by a simple injection,” study author Dr. Alexander
Betz, from the Medical Research Council’s Laboratory of Molecular Biology, was
quoted as saying. “When administered to and activated in animal models of
arthritis, the modified cells inhibit or even reverse the disease process.”
While excited about their discovery, Dr. Betz and his colleagues emphasize much
more work remains before the treatment can be used in people. Not only must they
develop a human form of the gene, they also have to make sure it will not impact
the remainder of the human immune system, which is needed to fight off dangerous
infections.
However, they are hopeful these obstacles can be overcome. “If Foxp3 functions
as a key developmental switch in human immune cells, [the] potential for a new
avenue of therapy development that could transform arthritis treatment is
substantial,” notes Dr. Betz.
SOURCE: PLoS Biology, published online November 11, 2008
