30 Genes for Multiple Sclerosis and Other Autoimmune Diseases

A set of 30 genes, regulated by Foxp3, are believed to be involved in autoimmune disorders including multiple sclerosis. These gene variants cause regulatory T cells to go haywire thus leading the immune system to attack the body. Newsweek has an interview with Richard Young and Alexander Marson of MIT’s Whitehead Institute. Here’s an excerpt:

And these are the 30 genes, the ones that aren’t following the proper directions. So you think this dysfunction is the basis not just for one disorder, but a whole host of autoimmune diseases?

Marson: Yes, regulatory T cells appear to be key in preventing type 1 diabetes, lupus, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and inflammatory bowel disease, as well as autoimmune thyroid disorders. Dysregulation of the genes controlling those cells could contribute to a wide range of autoimmune conditions.

Nature, January 21, 2007

Tags: t cells, treg cells, foxp3, genetics, genes, dna, autoimmune disease, multiple sclerosis, diseases, illness, health