Stem Cell Receptors May Fight Autoimmune Diseases: Finding could lead to new treatments for lupus and leukemias, study says

Source: HealthDay News
Posted: June 27, 2006

Summary:

Scientists say new information about the role of bone marrow stem cells could lead to important advances in treating diseases like leukemia, lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. Researchers at the Oklahoma Medical Research Foundation in Oklahoma City, in collaboration with the University of Tokyo, Osaka University and Saga University of Japan, studied the purified bone marrow stem cells of laboratory mice. They discovered that these cells -- once thought to be essentially dormant -- can identify the presence of bacteria and viruses in the blood.

Commentary: Hopefully these cells will eventually be able both identify diseases and effectively treat them.