This might be the dumbest thing I’ve asked out loud. But I’m really interested in how the measles virus causes immune system amnesia, and if that specific aspect of the measles virus might be able to treat autoimmune disorders.

obviously, this has the drawback that the patients would be infected with measles. but would their immune system stop attacking their own body?

  • phdepressed@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
    21·
    15 days ago

    If that were the case lemtrada and the like would have 100% relapse rates and wouldn’t be fda approved.

    • givesomefucks@lemmy.worldEnglish
      72·
      15 days ago

      Why?

      Lemtrada (alemtuzumab) is a humanized anti-CD52 monoclonal antibody that causes cytolysis of T and B lymphocytes, NK cells, monocytes, and macrophages. After IV administration, there is rapid and profound lymphopenia that gradually recovers (return of absolute lymphocyte count to the lower limit of normal in 40% of patients at 6 months and in 80% by 12 months). Efficacy is thought to be due to depletion of circulating pro-inflammatory leukocytes and gradual immune reconstitution during which there is alteration in the lymphocyte profile and functional immunomodulation.1

      https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/neurological/depts/multiple-sclerosis/ms-approaches/lemtrada-alemtuzumab

      That’s the mechanism of action, and I’m not sure what connection you’re drawing.

      Lemtrada is straight up blowing up the immune system and destroying individual cells