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Causes of Scleroderma: Natural Killer Cells
Natural killer cells are cells in the immune system that destroy cancer cells and virus-infected cells. ISN.
Natural killer (NK) cells in human autoimmune diseases. These observations suggest that NK cells are involved in the complex processes of autoimmune diseases. Nevertheless, further careful analysis of NK cells at different steps of these diseases, in different tissues and through combined genetical and functional studies will contribute to a better understanding of their role in autoimmune diseases. Schleinitz N. (PubMed) Immunology, 2010 Dec;131(4):451-8.
Important Control Mechanism Behind Autoimmune Diseases Discovered. "We've demonstrated that NKT cells can regulate how B cells become activated against healthy tissue, and that a lack of NKT cells results in greater misguided B cell activation," says Dr Karlsson. "So now we can mechanically link the NKT cell defect in patients to the disease." Medical News Today. May 5 2010. (Also see: Causes of Autoimmunity)
Natural killer (NK) cells in atopic and autoimmune diseases of the skin. NK cells are best known for their ability to recognize and kill tumor cells and virally infected cells and for their ability to produce large amounts of some cytokines, such as IFN-γ. D.V. Bubnoff, MD. The Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology. Volume 125, Issue 1, Pages 60-68 (January 2010). (Also see: Causes of Autoimmunity)
Association of killer cell immunoglobulin -like receptors (KIRs) with primary Sjögren's syndrome (SS). Autologous KIR–ligand interaction may be a contributory factor to predisposition for SS. D. Lowe. Rheumatology. January 30, 2009. (Also see: Sjögren's)
Natural Immune-control System May Aid Treatment Of Autoimmune Disease And Tissue Rejection. "Our findings suggest that it is possible to use antibodies to trigger the body's own mechanism for suppressing the immune response," Cantor remarks. "The results serve as a proof of principle that this approach can be applied to the treatment of conditions characterized by an excessive or unwanted immune response." Science Daily. 05/17/07.
 
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