New Breakthrough Offers Hope to Those with Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) can cause paralysis in its most progressive form.  We understand the devastating effects of MS all too well.  We have several clients who have MS and use the autonoME environmental control unit/speech generating device to help them achieve independence.

Earlier this month, some promising research was released.  The research involves a more targeted and specific immunotherapy approach. A research team at the University of Maryland is targeting lymph nodes to create specific immune responses.  People with MS have T cells which attack the myelin sheath. This causes damage, which can ultimately lead to paralysis. The new study involves reprogramming the tissues of the lymph nodes to generate immune cells.  These cells then make their way to the brain to stop the attack on the myelin sheath. Early lab testing indicates that this has the potential to reverse paralysis. If this research proves successful, it could benefit individuals with other autoimmune diseases as well, including Type 1 diabetes.

We would like nothing more than for a cure to be discovered for diseases like MS! Learn more about this groundbreaking research.