Gene Bach2 opens new possibilities for the treatment of allergies and autoimmune diseases
Last reviewed: 23.04.2024
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Sensational discovery was made by scientists of the National Cancer Institute in the United States. They found a gene that switches inflammatory and anti-inflammatory T cells, and also affects the functioning of the immune system.
It is proved that the detected gene influences the possibility of development of allergic reactions and autoimmune diseases of a person. Allergic and autoimmune diseases are considered similar due to the appearance of approximately the same failures of the body of an immune character. Scientists did not establish a more accurate picture between the processes that were taking place.
The gene, called Bach2, has long attracted the attention of researchers. A variety of gene variations directly affect the predisposition to malfunctions in the immune system, as confirmed by tests in laboratory mice.
According to specialists, the immune balance depends on the coordination of the functioning of immune cells. Attention is drawn to T cells that have a CD4 membrane receptor. The role of these cells is to activate the immune response of a certain strength and duration, as well as regulate the immune system response to prevent its spread to healthy cells. Simply put, T-cells direct the proper work of immunity with the production of antibodies against a real threat to the body and pacify the process of destruction "all in a row" indiscriminately. It is known that an attack on healthy cells often accompanies a number of manifestations of an allergic nature and autoimmune diseases.
A peculiar "toggle switch" between immunoactivating and immunosuppressive processes is Bach2. In the absence of this gene, T cells would act as inflammatory provocators without performing an important regulatory function to suppress the inflammatory response. For example, in mice undergoing suppression of Bach2 gene functions inflammations were observed, and imminent death from autoimmune disorders occurred in a few months. When the work of the gene was resumed, the function of T-cell regulation was restored independently.
Scientists speak of the uniqueness of the gene itself, adapted to work on the boundary between two kinds of cells, without being part of either group. Its name was received in honor of Johann Sebastian Bach. Virtuoso control of the gene process of polyphonic response of the immune system reminded the authors of the ability of the great composer to master brilliantly the musical polyphony.
On the Bach2 gene, physicians have great expectations, both in the field of treating allergies and autoimmune diseases. But this study of the gene is not over. The next stage of the study is aimed at determining the role of Bach2 in cases of cancer. As is known, tumor neoplasms are capable of suppressing immune responses against themselves by activating T-cells of a regulatory type. Perhaps scientists will be able to use the detected Bach2 gene to regulate immune processes against tumor diseases.
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