SMART molecules that can target rogue immune cells are being lined up to
fight autoimmune diseases. The new molecules could tackle a vast range of
disorders, from diabetes to arthritis.
All cells display chopped-up proteins, or peptides, on their surfaces to help
the immune system’s T cells sniff out invaders. T cells normally ignore the
body’s own peptides. But if they become less choosy, autoimmune disease can
result.
For example, insulin-dependent diabetes develops when T cells become
sensitised to a peptide found in the pancreas and attack the cells that make
insulin. In multiple sclerosis, T cells target myelin basic…
