Prof. Eric Morand, Dean of Sub-Faculty of Clinical and Molecular Medicine at Monash University, and Head of Rheumatology at Monash Health, gives a presentation on ‘Specific Therapy for Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE).’ He talks about new research in an article published in Feb24 from Monash, ‘Smith-specific regulatory T-cells that halt the progression of Lupus Nephritis’.
Prof. Morand explains why people with Lupus have their kidneys ‘attacked’, as opposed to people without Lupus.
The real breakthrough, he explains, is recognising that key factor in why healthy people don’t get get their kidneys ‘attacked’, and that is because they have Regulatory T-cells. Essentially, when you have a healthy immune system, your body switches “on” the cells that kill bacteria, and has the ability to then switch them “off” again with a T-Reg cell (a ‘slowing down’ cell).
In people with Lupus, the germ fighting cells do get activated, but have no “off” function, which results in autoimmune disease. This “off” function is what slows down an immune response in your body.
Watch Prof. Morand’s full presentation to learn more of this exciting research.
If you’ve ever wondered about the philosophy of treat-to-target in medicine, or if you’re unsure about corticosteroids – this thoughtful and honest conversation between Dr Charmaine Jones and Dr Daniel Lewis will bring you clarity, without overwhelm. Learn how to navigate the benefits and concerns around cortisteroids with confidence.
