Jefferson neuroscientists show anti-inflammation molecule helps fight MS-li...(hey saw similar effects from IL-27 in cu...),Health

We previously showed that IL-27 could suppress IL-17, he notes. Here we also show that IL-27 can enhance the production of IL-10. These may both be different and complementary mechanisms by which IL-27 can suppress EAE.

The findings suggest that increasing IL-27 concentrations might raise IL-10 levels, and help quell an over-active immune response. This is the first time that we have direct evidence that by actively giving IL-27 like a drug, we can suppress EAE in mice.

Dr. Rostami explains that after an MS flare-up, patients recover from the disease, though the reasons are poorly understood. We think that one of the ways that recovery from a disease flare-up occurs is that part of the immune system is shut off, suppressing the immune response in the brain. IL-27 appears to be crucial in this process, he says.

The team would like to study MS patients blood samples to see if similar processes are at work, Dr. Rostami notes. If we get similar findings in human disease, then perhaps IL-27 could be used therapeutically as a compound to suppress inflammation in the brains of MS patients.

'/>"/>