Hope for the future: New research into... - PBC Foundation

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Hope for the future

DonnaBoll profile image
DonnaBollAdministrator
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New research into autoimmune liver condition suggests unique cell movements may be driving disease

A Birmingham study reveals a novel cellular phenomenon could be responsible for the onset of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC).

Research suggests that a recent understanding of cell movements may help shed light on the mechanisms driving primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), an autoimmune disease which attacks the bile ducts of the liver.

According to a recent paper published in Nature Communications, Dr Scott Davies, Professor Ye Htun Oo and the team found that the invasion mechanism of cytotoxic cells, known as CD8+T Cells, was different to that of other cell-in-cell movements in the liver. They discovered that these T Cells can re-arrange their cytoskeletons in order to invade the biliary epithelial cells (BEC) which has been associated with biliary damage.

The study was made possible through generous donations of human liver tissue from patients at the Liver Unit of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, UK. Researchers devised innovative experimental approaches using high-content imaging, allowing for many conditions to be analysed simultaneously.

Dr Scott Davies, Professor Ye Htun Oo and the team are hopeful that this research will open up new avenues for understanding and potentially treating this debilitating autoimmune condition, as well as providing broader implications into the behaviour of these cells in autoimmune diseases afflicting other parts of the body.

Further understanding of how CD8+ T cells acquire E-cadherin and the consequences of these cells entering BECs may provide new insights into the causes of PBC and lead to the development of novel treatment strategies.

Dr Scott Davies, Research Fellow, University of Birmingham

Primary Biliary Cholangitis (PBC) is a type of liver disease where the immune system attacks the bile ducts of the liver, leading to the bile ducts becoming damaged and causing bile to build up in the liver. This further damages the liver and may lead to scarring. Common symptoms of PBC include fatigue, bone and joint aches and pain or discomfort in the upper right abdomen. Approximately 20,000 people in the UK are affected.

In this particular study, the team identified a crucial protein, E-cadherin, as a key player in this cell-in-cell movement process. E-cadherin is typically expressed by BECs and similar cells to maintain tissue integrity. However, the researchers found that CD8+ T cells from PBC patients expressed higher levels of E-cadherin compared to those from non-PBC patients, suggesting a link between E-cadherin levels and the increased internalisation of T cells in PBC. This discovery holds significant implications for understanding the pathogenesis of PBC.

The study was funded and in collaboration with The Sir Jules Thorn Charitable Trust (2018 annual award winner), a fellowship awarded by the Medical Research Council (MRC), and the NIHR Birmingham Biomedical Research Centre (BRC).

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8 Replies
Ancolie profile image
Ancolie

Very interresting ! Thankyou for the share.

DonnaBoll profile image
DonnaBollAdministrator in reply toAncolie

I will continue to post articles and information that lets us know there is work being done to make our lives all the better. We all need to continue to pray for the researchers who tirelessly work for us. I invite anyone in the group to post anything they find helpful as well.

Readlots profile image
Readlots in reply toDonnaBoll

Thanks Donna, good to know that there is research going on

DonnaBoll profile image
DonnaBollAdministrator in reply toReadlots

When I attend The International PBC Foundation Summit next month in Edinbrugh, I will be able to attend all the presentations from many pharmacuetical companies who are tirelessly working on drugs to help with our itch, fatigue, the cause, and even a cure! I will be reporting back to all of you for sure.

Gaspereaux profile image
Gaspereaux in reply toDonnaBoll

Wish we could attend….timing isn’t great for me, but i hope to attend the PBC conference in Birmingham, England in September while visiting my husband’s family in N. Ireland.

DonnaBoll profile image
DonnaBollAdministrator in reply toGaspereaux

great! please share with us all you learn there.... I know when I receive The Bear Facts I love that there are so many local groups who meet there.

Gaspereaux profile image
Gaspereaux

Just read this….just wondering the date of publication?

DonnaBoll profile image
DonnaBollAdministrator

Feb 2, 2024

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