Tumor necrosis factor-α inhibitors (TNFi’s) have emerged as an integral part of therapeutic strategies for several rheumatic diseases. TNF-α is a pro-inflammatory cytokine implicated in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), seronegative spondyloarthropathies and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It also plays a central role in the immune response to mycobacterial infection. Many biologic agents, particularly…
New research has found that the amyloid protein curli triggers immune activation and autoantibody production in lupus-prone and wild-type mice. Stefania Gallucci, MD, says these results provide insight into the mechanisms of bacterial infection that may result in lupus…
LONDON (Reuters)—Scientists in Britain have found how drug-resistant bacteria build and maintain a defensive wall—a discovery that paves the way for the development of new drugs to break through the barrier and kill the often deadly “superbugs.” In recent decades, bacteria resistant to multiple drugs, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) or Clostridium difficile, have…
Gut bacteria may hold clues to breakthrough rheumatic disease treatments
Research suggests humans harbor microbial fingerprint that can be transferred to new indoor spaces
Researcher J. Craig Venter, PhD, explains how technological progress in metabiomics may enable scientists to create synthetic, engineered bacteria to counter diseases and manufacture virus-fighting vaccines where they are needed
A voyage to (our inner) Lilliput