irishtimes.com - Last Updated: Sunday, October 7, 2012, 18:00

Scientists at NUI Maynooth have pinpointed how control and regulation of a specific gene could combat debilitating diseases like multiple sclerosis.

After three years of research the team is in the early stages of trying to uncover how to manipulate the Pellino3 gene to tackle serious illnesses.

Research published in the US journal Nature Immunology showed the genes critical function is to regulate the amount of protective proteins released by our immune systems to fight a virus.

Professor Paul Moynagh said it was a significant breakthrough in viral immunology.

The research has much potential for the treatment of major auto-immune diseases and the next step is to determine how the exploitation of Pellino3 can physiologically impact on specific conditions, he said.

NUI Maynooth discovered that Pellino3 acts like a brake to stop overproduction of interferons, the protective proteins.

If the gene is not working as designed, overproduction of interferons can lead to debilitating inflammatory diseases such as lupus while those of us who do not produce enough are more at risk of MS and hepatitis.

The research paper says controlling production linked to Pellino3 is critical in the treatment of viral disease.

Prof Moynagh expects to carry out another two years of experimental research before the team can think about the long road to licensing a drug.

Read more here:
Scientists target MS gene

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