Autoimmune diseases represent one of the most complex pathological conditions recognized by modern medicine; however, through investigations of these conditions we not only gain a deeper understanding of these diseases, but also of the immune system as a whole. In this regard, we have used autoimmunity, and Multiple Sclerosis (MS) in particular, as a lens through which to better understand how the proteins SLAMF7 and ERAP1 regulate the immune system. Both of these genes have been linked to increased MS susceptibility, yet the underlying mechanisms remain a mystery. Our efforts have shown that these highly disparate proteins, with vastly differing functions, both modulate CNS autoimmunity via alteration of B cell responses. We also expand our investigations of how SLAMF7 modulates the immune system to other diseases and cell types, greatly broadening the known biological roles of this fascinating immune cell receptor. In summary, our efforts here both expand our knowledge by identifying underlying mechanisms as to why certain genes are linked to increased MS susceptibility, and also broaden the known biological roles of these immunoregulatory proteins. Armed with this new knowledge, the puzzle that is MS becomes just a little bit clearer, and new potential therapeutic targets for MS and a number of other diseases, start to emerge.
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