La Jolla Institute For Allergy And Immunology Release: U.S.-Austrian Scientists Identify Molecule's Critical Role In Arthritis; Research Could Lead To Future Treatment Advances For Arthritis, Diabetes And Other Autoimmune Diseases

A research team of scientists from the U.S. and Austria have discovered that the molecule (Cbl-b) plays a critical role in preventing the development of arthritis and other autoimmune diseases. In autoimmune disease, the immune system, which normally wards off invading diseases, instead mistakenly attacks normal body tissues, leading to illness. The research team's finding, based on controlled laboratory studies of mice, may have important implications for the future development of therapies for autoimmune disorders such as arthritis and diabetes.