Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026
07:59
Murine Full-thickness Skin Transplantation
Published on: January 2, 2017
Oral tolerance. Eating your way towards immunosuppression
1Department of Paediatric Gastroenterology, Medical College of St Bartholomews Hospital, London, UK.
Current Biology : CB
|February 1, 1994
Summary
This study explores how the immune system naturally reduces responses to food antigens. Researchers propose using this mechanism with autoantigen therapies for autoimmune diseases.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Autoimmunity
- Therapeutics
Background:
- The immune system possesses natural mechanisms to induce tolerance to antigens, including those found in food.
- Dysregulation of immune tolerance is implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of exploiting natural immune down-regulatory mechanisms for therapeutic benefit in autoimmune conditions.
- To explore the use of autoantigen administration as a strategy to induce immune tolerance.
Main Methods:
- Administration of autoantigens to patients.
- Monitoring of immune responses and clinical outcomes.
Main Results:
- The study demonstrates that the immune system can be modulated to reduce harmful responses.
- Evidence suggests that feeding patients specific autoantigens can lead to immune tolerance.
Conclusions:
- Natural immune tolerance mechanisms offer a promising avenue for developing novel therapies for autoimmune diseases.
- Autoantigen-based therapies hold potential for treating conditions characterized by immune system self-attack.
Related Concept Videos
01:40Cell-mediated Immune Responses
Overview
01:20Special Features of Adaptive Immunity
The adaptive immune system, a crucial component of the overall immune response, offers a highly specialized defense against pathogens. It involves specific cell types and features, enabling it to combat infections effectively and efficiently.
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
The primary cell types involved in adaptive immunity are T cells and B cells. Each type has a unique role in defending the body against pathogens. T cells are responsible for cell-mediated immunity. They identify and eliminate infected cells directly,...
01:24Tissue Transplantation
Tissue transplantation is a significant medical procedure involving the transfer of cells, tissues, or organs from a donor to a recipient, with the primary aim of restoring lost functions. This procedure is crucial in treating a broad spectrum of diseases, including kidney diseases, liver failure, heart disease, and certain types of cancers.
The Biology of Tissue Transplantation
The biology of tissue transplantation hinges on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. These molecules...
The Biology of Tissue Transplantation
The biology of tissue transplantation hinges on the Major Histocompatibility Complex (MHC) molecules. These molecules...
01:27Tumor Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy is a treatment that boosts or manipulates the immune system to fight diseases, including cancer. For instance, by stimulating an immune response through vaccinations against viruses that cause cancers, like hepatitis B virus and human papillomavirus, these diseases can be prevented. Nonetheless, some cancer cells can avoid the immune system due to their rapid mutation and division. The immune response to many cancers involves three phases: elimination, equilibrium, and escape.
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...