Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Biotech / Medical : XOMA. Bull or Bear? -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: aknahow who wrote (9146)	3/11/1999 10:30:00 PM
From: Bluegreen	Respond to of 17367

George, do you think Bob would like this article? Thursday March 11 8:11 PM ET Proteins linked to brain inflammation in MS NEW YORK, Mar 11 (Reuters Health) -- Molecules known as chemokines play a key role in inflammation of the brain in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients, according to a report published in the March issue of the Journal of Clinical Investigation. The researchers suggest that developing drugs that block chemokines from interacting with the white blood cells that cause inflammation could lead to effective treatments for MS. ''This study lays the foundation for a new generation of treatments for multiple sclerosis,'' said study lead author Dr. Richard Ransohoff of the Cleveland Clinic Foundation in Ohio. Over 350,000 Americans have multiple sclerosis (MS). This degenerative, neurological disorder is thought to be caused by white blood cells invading the brain. Once introduced into the nervous system, these immune cells foster inflammation that leads to progressive deterioration in neurological function. In their study, the research team focused on molecules called chemokines, which appear to cluster around the brain cells of MS patients. In a statement issued by the Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Ransohoff explained that ''these chemokines are like honey to the bee.... Certain white blood cells seek out the chemokines. These cells include the orchestrators of inflammation, activated T-cells, and macrophages, their major henchman in the inflammation of MS.... While these white blood cells are normally an important part of our immune system, they become destructive in people with MS.'' The investigators conclude that their findings show that interactions between chemokines and chemokine receptors on white blood cells play an important role in MS, ''and suggest new molecular targets for therapeutic intervention.'' According to the researchers, the next step is to find ways of blocking receptors on white blood cells to stop them from being attracted to chemokines. Previous studies have shown a direct connection between inflammation in the brain and the progression of MS, so blocking these receptors could have a significant impact on the disease, they suggest. ''With many diseases, we can treat only the symptoms. To truly stop these diseases, we must combat them on the molecular level,'' Ransohoff said. SOURCE: The Journal of Clinical Investigation 1999;103. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------