Study Reveals Potential New Way to Treat Autoimmune Disease

A new study by researchers at Swansea University has revealed a new way to potentially treat certain autoimmune diseases by targeting a protein that helps regulate energy production in immune cells.

Specifically, the study revealed a protein called ABHD11, found in the mitochondria (the cell’s engines that power an immune response), plays a key role in regulating Tcell overactivity. Studying immune cells from the blood of individuals living with and without type 1 diabetes or rheumatoid arthritis, they found that using a drug to stop the ABHD11 protein from working reduces inflammation by minimizing T cell overactivity, limiting their production of inflammatory signals.

The researchers also observed that blocking ABHD11 with the drug delayed the development of type 1 diabetes, offering hope for future therapies aimed at controlling autoimmune conditions. 

“This research opens up exciting possibilities for developing new treatments that work by adjusting how immune cells use fuels from our diet – a process known as metabolism.  ABHD11 could be a valuable target for drugs aimed at reducing inflammation and preventing autoimmune flare-ups,” said Nick Jones, MD, from Swansea University, Professor Emma Vincent, PhD, at the University of Bristol and James Pearson, PhD, from Cardiff University. “Current treatments for autoimmune diseases can have significant side effects and don’t work for everyone. This study adds to growing evidence that adjusting immune cell metabolism could offer a safer and more effective approach.”

The team are hoping to extend their findings into the effects of blocking ABHD11 in other immune cell types with implications toward other autoimmune diseases.