‘Master Switch’ Identified in Inflammatory Diseases

Imperial College London scientists have identified a protein, called IRF5, that acts as a “master switch” in certain white blood cells that either stimulate or suppress inflammation. The findings suggest that blocking the production of IRF5 may help treat autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease, lupus and multiple sclerosis. In addition, boosting IRF5 levels might help to treat people whose immune systems are compromised. The study was reported on in the journal Nature Immunology.