ACT health research unlocks Lupus secrets

ACT Health Minister, Katy Gallagher MLA, today congratulated researchers at Canberra Hospital and the Australian National University (ANU) for their work, which may lead to new therapies for some groups of lupus patients.

The researchers have recently identified a novel abnormality in a significant subset of lupus patients, especially those with severe disease.

The work was published this week in the prestigious international journal, Arthritis and Rheumatism.

“Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus) is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect almost any organ in the body. Serious consequences include kidney failure, blood clots and psychosis,” Ms Gallagher said.

“Symptoms of lupus include fatigue, weakness and lethargy, joint pain or swelling, and skin rashes.

“Although lupus is known to be an autoimmune disease, characterised by the production of autoantibodies, the mechanisms that lead to formation of autoantibodies is not well understood.

“Our ACT researchers led by Associate Professor Matthew Cook have identified an increase in a recently described subset of T cells (specialised white blood cells), called follicular helper T cells.

“This latest research finding may explain how autoantibodies develop in this subset of lupus patients.

“Importantly, treatment that directly targets this subset of T cells represents an opportunity for a novel approach to therapy,” Ms Gallagher said.
 
This discovery stems from fundamental research into the basis of lupus undertaken by Professors Carola Vinuesa, Chris Goodnow, and A/Prof Cook over the past five years.
 
Associate Professor Cook is the Director of Immunology and Translational Research at Canberra Hospital and ANU, and operates a clinic specialising in autoimmune disease at Canberra Hospital.

18 January 2010