How the immune system watches over the brain
Written by James Kingsland on February 9, 2021 Fact checked by Rita Ponce, Ph.D.
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Scientists have long puzzled over how the immune system surveils the brain when the blood-brain barrier prevents immune cells from entering.
A study has now identified border “checkpoints” where the immune system monitors fluid leaving the brain for signs of infection.
The discovery offers new possibilities for treating brain diseases, such as multiple sclerosis (MS).
Generations of students have learned that the central nervous system has “immune privilege.” This means that to an extent the immune system tolerates the presence of foreign proteins, or antigens, and tissue in the brain and spinal cord.
Los Angeles Times
AP
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LOS ANGELES In the early years of his illness, as his kidneys began to shrink and toxins coursed through his blood, the same four words often floated through Miguel Rangel’s mind: “I’m going to die.”
Although some people live much longer, the average life expectancy of dialysis patients is five to 10 years, and Rangel, who has last-stage chronic kidney disease, lives with constant pain and for the last decade has gotten dialysis nightly via a catheter into his abdomen. Still, the 43-year-old electrician, who lives in San Fernando, has trained his mind to linger on hope.
Date Time
Scientists to explore whether anti-inflammatory drugs control blood sugar
Meals prepared for scientific studies of metabolism and nutrition stand ready for distribution at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Researchers at the School of Medicine are studying whether drugs to treat inflammatory conditions such as Crohn’s disease also could help control blood sugar levels. (Photo: Matt Miller/School of Medicine)
Inflammation and metabolic disorders are deeply intertwined. For example, people with inflammatory conditions such as Crohn’s disease and psoriasis are at risk of developing metabolic disorders such as insulin resistance and diabetes. However troubling that connection might seem, it also might point to some promising news.
Brittny Mejia
Los Angeles Times
Dogs are being trained to sniff out people who are COVID-19 positive by picking up the particular smell of sweat from their armpits. Veuerâs Sean Dowling has more.
In her quest to overcome one of COVID-19 s strangest symptoms, Mariana Castro-Salzman was willing to try anything.
The 32-year-old visited an oncologist and got a CT scan of her head. She saw an ear, nose and throat doctor. Took steroids. Went to a neurologist who put her on anti-anxiety medication.
She began sniffing essential oils every day. A homeopath prescribed bath flowers, supplements and chaga mushrooms.