A research team led by Jessica Hamerman, PhD, at BRI has discovered a unique type of cell and its association with a life-threatening complication of viral and autoimmune diseases.

The discovery, published in Science, could lead to new treatments for a deadly form of inflammation in children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (SJIA), malaria and Kawasaki disease as well as patients with lupus.

Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), an inflammatory condition associated with autoimmune diseases and viral infections, leads to anemia, persistent fevers, headaches, large lymph nodes and can, in severe cases, lead to organ dysfunction or death. The Hamerman lab’s discovery demonstrates that if they can interfere with the development of these unique cells, they will be able to treat MAS as well as other dangerous forms of anemia associated with autoimmune diseases and malaria.

Learn more…