New study reveals potential treatment of autoimmune diseases

[2DandNoodle]

This study reveals a chemical compound that holds potential as a therapeutic for various autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis and rheumatoid arthritis. The researchers have used this compound to treat mice and have found it to be effective. The research focused on T helper 17 cells, or Th17 cells, which are a type of T cell that form major parts of the immune system. The researchers found that excessive glycolysis seems to suppress Th17 cell activity, and molecules produced during glycolysis may inhibit the cells. The chemical compound, phosphoenolpyruvate, is a metabolite produced when glucose is converted to energy and is generated every day in our bodies. The researchers found that treatment with PEP can inhibit the maturation of TH17 cells, leading to resolution of inflammatory response.
study in journal cell