Houston Methodist researchers will be part of a national consortium funded by an up to $49 million award from the U.S. Government’s Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) to develop a vaccine against two of the most common and destructive strains of herpesviruses that latently infect a majority of Americans and can lead to acute infections, multiple forms of cancer, autoimmune disease and birth defects.
Tag: Autoimmune Disease
Three-Time Olympic Medalist Paige Madden Partners with Autoimmune Association to Raise Awareness for Autoimmune Disease
The Autoimmune Association is proud to announce a new partnership with U.S. Olympic swimmer Paige Madden, a decorated athlete and champion in the pool, to amplify awareness of autoimmune diseases.
Antibody targeting CD38 enzyme shows positive impact in treating systemic sclerosis
Scleroderma is a chronic autoimmune disease of women.Over time, people living with scleroderma develop progressive and irreversible scarring.Scarring, called fibrosis, effects the lungs, heart and kidneys, leading to poor quality of life, disability and a reduced life expectancy.
New research points to ‘stem-like’ T cells as culprits in ulcerative colitis
The researchers hope to one day target this T cell population via drug therapy. “These cells may be a very important target for treating ulcerative colitis and perhaps other autoimmune diseases…”
UTEP Pharmacy Researchers Develop Potential Treatment for Fibrosis
Researchers at The University of Texas at El Paso are developing a new therapeutic approach that uses nanoparticles for the treatment of skin and lung fibrosis, conditions that can result in severe damage to the body’s tissues.
Nightmares and hallucinations could signal autoimmune disease
An increase in nightmares and hallucinations could signal the onset of autoimmune diseases such as lupus, according to a new study.
Autoimmune disease not associated with monoclonal gammopathy
A study of more than 75,000 persons screened for monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance (MGUS) found no association between the presence of autoimmune diseases and MGUS.
Signs of Multiple Sclerosis Show Up in Blood Years Before Symptoms
In a discovery that could hasten treatment for patients with multiple sclerosis (MS), UC San Francisco scientists have discovered a harbinger in the blood of some people who later went on to develop the disease.
LJI home to new “Center of Excellence”
The Institute’s Flow Cytometry Core, which provides cutting-edge research services, has been named a BD Biosciences “Center of Excellence.” Along with this distinction, the LJI Flow Core has brought in a sophisticated instrument for immune cell research: the BD FACSDiscover™ S8 Cell Sorter.
COVID-19 associated with increased risk for autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases up to a year after infection
A large, binational study found that SARS-CoV-2 infection was associated with an increased risk for autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIRDs) that extends up to 12 months after infection. The risk was found to be higher with greater severity of acute COVID-19, even among those who were vaccinated. These findings suggest that care strategies for patients who survive COVID-19 should pay close attention to manifestations of AIRD, particularly after severe illness. The study is published in Annals of Internal Medicine.
Researchers identify new choice of therapy for rare autoimmune disease EGPA
An international team, including researchers from McMaster University and St. Joseph’s Healthcare Hamilton, has identified a new therapeutic for patients with a rare autoimmune disease called eosinophilic granulomatosis with polyangiitis (EGPA). A biologic drug called benralizumab has been shown to be non-inferior to mepolizumab in the treatment of EGPA.
Atlantic Health System Enrolls First U.S. Patient in Lupus Treatment Trial
NJ-based Atlantic Health System is the first in the U.S. to enroll a patient in a study to examine the effectiveness of using Chimeric Antigen Receptor (CAR- T) cells in the treatment of the autoimmune disease lupus.
Experts call for urgent mental health support for people living with long term autoimmune diseases
Study finds ‘startling’ levels of hidden mental health symptoms among autoimmune disease patients.
Faster progression of multiple sclerosis associated with newly identified genetic variant
In a new study of more than 22,000 people with multiple sclerosis (MS), an international team identified for the first time a genetic variant associated with faster progression of the disease and accumulation of disability. Despite the development of effective…
Scleroderma Awareness Month
Scleroderma is an autoimmune disease characterized by thickening and scarring of the skin and vital organs, and the narrowing of the blood vessels which lead to poor circulation.
Why women with multiple sclerosis get better when pregnant
Women suffering from the autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis temporarily get much better when pregnant. Researchers have now identified the beneficial changes naturally occurring in the immune system during pregnancy.
nPOD honors Estefania Quesada Masachs for type 1 diabetes discoveries
La Jolla Institute for Immunology (LJI) Instructor Estefania Quesada Masachs, M.D., Ph.D., has won the 2023 Young Investigator of the Year Award from the Network for Pancreatic Organ donors with Diabetes (nPOD). This prestigious award recognizes Quesada Masachs’ groundbreaking research in type 1 diabetes.
New Study: Abatacept Therapy Offers Promising Results Treating Juvenile Dermatomyositis
Juvenile dermatomyositis, a rare but often severe and chronic systemic autoimmune disease, includes a large number of patients who are treatment resistant, requiring long term immunosuppressive therapy. A small open-label study published in Arthritis and Rheumatology shows promise using a targeted biologic therapy called abatacept to treat such patients.
Genetic variation that protected against Black Death still helps against respiratory diseases today, but increases autoimmune disease risks
The same genetics that helped some of our ancestors fight the plague is still likely to be at work in our bodies today, potentially providing some of the population with extra protection against respiratory diseases such as COVID-19. However, there is a trade-off, where this same variation is also linked to increased autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease.
Tissue-Specific Immunity May Be the Future, if We Can First Learn its Rules
UC San Diego study reveals critical insights into the complex biology of tissue-specific T cells, paving the way for a new branch of precision therapeutics in immunity, autoimmunity, and cancer.
Cedars-Sinai Investigators ID Gene Critical to Human Immune Response
Cedars-Sinai investigators have identified a gene that plays an essential role in the innate human immune system. The gene, NLRP11, helps activate the inflammatory response that tells the body’s white blood cells to go on the attack against a foreign presence.
Researchers Identify Potential Target for Treating Autoimmune Diseases
New research using a mouse model for multiple sclerosis has uncovered a potential new area to explore for possible treatments for autoimmune disorders.
Einstein-Developed Treatment Strategy May Lead to HIV Cure
Armed with a novel strategy they developed for bolstering the body’s immune response, scientists at Albert Einstein College of Medicine have successfully suppressed HIV infections in mice—offering a path to a functional cure for HIV and other chronic viral infections. Their findings were published today in the Journal of Clinical Investigation.
American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association Becomes the Autoimmune Association
To mark its 30-year legacy and global impact on the autoimmune community, today, the American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA) is pleased to announce its new name: the Autoimmune Association.
AARDA Announces Six New Board Members
The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA) announced six new board members and two new advisors to the board. Each will help support AARDA’S mission of improving the lives affected by autoimmune disease, through awareness, education, advocacy, and research.
Top Researchers Identify Areas for Autoimmune Disease Research at AARDA-Hosted Colloquium
The American Autoimmune Related Disease Association (AARDA) hosted the 15th Noel Rose Scientific Colloquium on May 1, 2021, bringing together high-level researchers from different areas and specialties.
Cancer Immunotherapy May Also Treat Certain Autoimmune Diseases
The new approach blocks the interaction between cancer cells and immune receptors, showing promise in mice.
“Video: Should I get the COVID-19 if I have an autoimmune disease?”
The approval of COVID-19 vaccines has brought with it hope, excitement, as well as concerns. AARDA is committed to ensuring you have the information you need to make the right decisions for your health. A panel of medical experts will discuss frequently asked questions regarding COVID-19 vaccines, as well as address audience questions.
Harnessing the Power of Proteins in our Cells to Combat Disease
A lab on UNLV’s campus has been a hub of activity in recent years, playing a significant role in a new realm of drug discovery — one that could potentially provide a solution for patients who have run out of options.
Scientists Find Key Function of Molecule in Cells Crucial for Regulating Immunity
Scientists discovered that the molecule AIM2 is important for the proper function of regulatory T cells and plays a key role in mitigating autoimmune disease. Treg cells are a seminal population of adaptive immune cells that prevents an overzealous immune responses.
AARDA Announces Leadership Transition
The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association announced that Randall Rutta, President and CEO, is leaving to join the National Health Council (NHC) as its CEO, effective February 12, 2021.
Protein Linked to Progressive Lung Scarring in Scleroderma Patients
Osteopontin is discovered as the culprit behind these patients’ main cause of death. However, a repurposed immunosuppressive drug may combat the pro-inflammatory protein.
Targeting T cell protein could prevent type 1 diabetes, study suggests
Researchers at the University of Utah School of Medicine have identified a new therapeutic target to treat patients with type 1 diabetes. The study, which will be published December 9 in the Journal of Experimental Medicine (JEM), reveals that inhibiting a protein called OCA-B protects mice from type 1 diabetes by limiting the activity of immune cells that would otherwise destroy the pancreas’ insulin-producing β cells.
With Close Monitoring Throughout, Safe Pregnancy is Possible for Women with Interstitial Lung Disease
A new study shows that women with interstitial lung disease (ILD) related to autoimmune disease may not need to terminate their pregnancies provided they have close monitoring from their team of multidisciplinary physicians before, during and after pregnancy. Results of the research was presented at ACR Convergence, the American College of Rheumatology’s annual meeting.
Blocking nerve signals to the pancreas halts type 1 diabetes onset in mice
Blocking nerve signals to the pancreas could stop patients from ever developing type 1 diabetes.
AARDA MOURNS THE LOSS OF DR. NOEL R. ROSE, “THE FATHER OF AUTOIMMUNITY”
AARDA Tribute to Dr. Noel R. Rose, “The Father of Autoimmunity”
Study: Enzyme Could Prove Effective in Treating Tumors and Inflammatory Diseases in Lung
Findings from a research study, led by scientists at Henry Ford, suggest an enzyme could play an important role in the treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases in the airway.
Prominent Rheumatologist to Create Scleroderma Program at Kao Institute
Nationally recognized rheumatology expert Francesco Boin, MD, has been appointed director of the division of Rheumatology and director of the new Scleroderma Program at Cedars-Sinai. Boin is an accomplished and widely published investigator of autoimmune diseases, with a reputation for clinical excellence and a multidisciplinary approach to patient care.
Vasculitis Foundation’s Young Investigator Award Goes to Monash University Research Fellow
Dragana Odobasic, PhD, a research fellow at Monash University in Melbourne, Australia, was awarded the Vasculitis Foundation’s (VF) “Dr. Chris Cox-Marinelli Young Investigator Award” in May for her study, Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells for Antigen-Specific Immunosuppression in MPO-ANCA Vasculitis. The award, a one-year grant totaling $49,822, was created in memory of Chris Cox-Marinelli, MD, who was a strong advocate for promoting the development of junior investigators toward a career in vasculitis.
Register Now for Live COVID-19 Q&A Webinar Saturday with Vasculitis Experts!
Join the Vasculitis Foundation (VF) this Saturday, May 23, for a live Q&A webinar where vasculitis experts will discuss what they know about COVID-19 and immune-suppressed patients. The program starts at 9 a.m. Central Time.
Paying the Price of Protection
A new Weizmann Institute model of autoimmune disease may solve some major outstanding riddles, including what causes T cells to attack and why only certain organs get the diseases
Complement genes add to sex-based vulnerability in lupus and schizophrenia
Variants in a gene of the human immune system cause men and women to have different vulnerabilities to the autoimmune diseases lupus and Sjögren’s syndrome, according to findings published in the journal Nature. The gene variants are a member of the complement system.
ACR Releases Position Statement on Prior Authorization
The American College of Rheumatology (ACR) has released an official position statement concerning prior authorization for the approval of prescription medications, highlighting the significant burdens it creates for patients and rheumatology professionals. This process can result in a significant delay of care or treatments, treatment abandonment and potential harm to patients.
Henry Ford Health System Receives $25 Million Gift, Largest Single Donation in its History
Nationally-known developer Chris Jeffries and his wife Lisa have donated $25 million to Henry Ford Health System, the largest single gift from an individual in the health system’s 105-year history. This historic gift will rapidly accelerate the growth and expansion of Henry Ford’s Precision Medicine program, with the ultimate goal of creating a Precision Health Center. The efforts will have a robust focus on the advancement of cancer research and treatment, while also expanding to other medical specialties treating behavioral health, cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
AARDA Partners with AutoimmuneMom
Detroit, MI (January 30, 2019) – The American Autoimmune Related Disease Association (AARDA) is thrilled to announce our new partnership with AutoimmuneMom. For the last seven+ years, AutoimmuneMom has created a digital community through the hard work and dedication of Katie Cleary. Now, AARDA will proudly host the content that has brought together people with autoimmune disease through stories of how autoimmune disease impacts motherhood and pregnancy, general autoimmune information, personal stories, and doctor recommendations. AutoimmuneMom will continue to maintain its social media presence, but all website content will be hosted on AARDA.org.
AARDA Appoints Randall Rutta President and CEO
The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA), a nonprofit education and advocacy organization dedicated to the eradication of autoimmune diseases, appointed Randall Rutta as President and CEO. Rutta succeeds founder and long-time President and Executive Director Virginia Ladd, who will now serve as Advisor to the President following a nearly 30-year run with the organization.
AUTOIMMUNE ASSOCIATION ANNOUNCES 2019 LA WALK
Grammy® Nominated Songwriter and Singer Dayna Caddell to Lead 5th Annual Los Angeles Autoimmune Walk on November 3. Former NFL Dallas Cowboys Player Darryl Clack is the Featured Speaker. The Walk is part of AARDA’s “Linking Together for a Cure” campaign to raise awareness and funding for research.
AUTOIMMUNE ASSOCIATION HOSTS TWO SIGNATURE EVENTS IN PITTSBURGH:
The American Autoimmune Related Diseases Association (AARDA) partners with AHN Autoimmunity Institute to present a free public forum on autoimmune disease and the inaugural Pittsburgh Autoimmune Walk.