A team of researchers from the University of California San Diego have developed a new type of nanocytokine based on interleukin-2 (IL-2) that can be activated by a pH-sensitive switch. This new type of nanocytokine could be used to safely and effectively treat autoimmune diseases such as diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis. The nanocytokine is composed of an IL-2 protein linked to a small molecule that is sensitive to pH. When the pH is raised, the small molecule changes shape, activating the IL-2. This activation triggers an immune response that can target and eliminate specific cells or proteins that are causing disease. The team has demonstrated the ability of the nanocytokine to selectively target and eliminate beta cells, which are responsible for producing insulin, in a mouse model of type 1 diabetes. This opens up a promising new avenue for the treatment of autoimmune diseases.

Read Full Article Here

source: Phys.org