Archives - Biology: Page 13
Author: paul carson (Wed Oct 25, 2006 4:18 pm)
Title: Autoimmunity
For years, immunologists doubted that cells specifically responsible for suppressing immune activity existed. But they do. They are called regulatory T cells.
These so called T-reg cells combat autoimmunity. They also help the body resist repeat infections by a returning invader, protect needed bacteria in the gut and aid sustaining pregnancy. On the negative side, they abet cancer cells in escaping immune attacks.
Ongoing research promises to yield new therapies for autoimmune disorders and cancer and could lead to treatments that would spare organ transplant recipients from having to take immunosuppressive drugs for life.
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