Small Molecule Offers New Approach to Treating Autoimmunity

The molecule, halofuginone, might interfere with autoimmunity by restoring the balance between two types of T cells.

Many autoimmune diseases are caused by an imbalance between two types of cells: T helper (T_H17) cells and regulatory T (T_reg) cells (JW Gen Med Jun 12 2008). When the ratio of T_H17 cells to T_reg cells rises, so does risk for autoimmune diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, inflammatory bowel disease, and psoriasis.

A multi-institutional U.S. team has identified a small molecule, halofuginone, that inhibits the differentiation of T_H17 cells, thereby normalizing the T_H17 to T_reg ratio. The molecule, which is extracted from plants, already has been used successfully in some animal models of fibrotic diseases and in a human scleroderma trial (Biol Blood Marrow Transplant 2003; 9:417). Halofuginone appears to affect T_H17 cells selectively: It doe…

Reviewing Author

Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardSerImmune Inc.; DxTerity

Grant / Research SupportNIH (1U54NS105542-01)

Editorial BoardsHarvard Health Letter; UpToDate

Anthony L. Komaroff, MD

Disclosures

Consultant/Advisory BoardSerImmune Inc.; DxTerity

Grant / Research SupportNIH (1U54NS105542-01)

Editorial BoardsHarvard Health Letter; UpToDate