Targeting NK Cells With Tofacitinib: A Novel Treatment for ALS
Abstract
Though the cause or causes of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) are currently unknown, an increasing body of work suggests that the immune system plays a key role in disease progression. Previous studies in mouse models of ALS, as well as our own preliminary data, demonstrate that altering levels of specific immune populations can affect the disease course. Thus, modulating specific immune cell populations may be a viable therapeutic strategy, but care must be taken to preserve the function of protective immune populations.NK cells are immune cells that play a key role in combating cancer and infection but are also responsible for eliminating damaged or dying cells. NK cells are more activated in the blood of ALS subjects, accumulate in the spinal cord of ALS mice, and ALS motor neurons are more vulnerable to NK cell-mediated damage.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2023
- Accession Number
- AD1203911
Entities
People
- Benjamin J Murdock
Organizations
- Board of Regents of the University of Michigan