Results of New Research: We May be Able to Enhance the Immune System!

There seems to be a lot of research being done on the immune system these days, and that's good news for all of us! In fact, I just read an article tonight that researchers have discovered that the Killer T-cells of a person's immune system can be enhanced to fight infections. That may not directly help those of us with CVID, since our deficiency is usually in the B-cells, but it's still exciting for two reasons:

1. They are researching the immune system and some of that research will benefit those of us with CVID (Read: We are not forgotten!)
2. They are finding ways to improve the overall immune system

The study built on a theory from the former director of the Walter and Eliza Hall Institute (an Australian medical research facility), Sir Macfarlane Burnet, an Australian Nobel Prize Laureate. Apparently, he came up with the theory 55 years ago. The following quote is an excerpt from the article in The Vaccine News Daily:

"The team discovered the IRF4, an important protein activated in the killer T-cells, could be produced at different levels depending on how well the killer T-cells recognized infected cells. The researchers discovered that enhancing the levels of IRF4 could help to boost killer T-cells effectiveness in fight infections and other diseases." (From article: Enhancing Immune System May be Possible by Emma Rogers)

While it may come across as pandering for me to it here, I find the following handout from the Immune Deficiency Foundation (IDF) to explain the various cells of the immune system in a clear way that's actually kind of fun to read: Our Immune System.

New Resarch Regarding Development of Autoimmunity in Patients with CVID

The results of a CVID study were recently published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation. In this study, Yale researchers Eric Meffre and his colleagues found that CVID patients with a single mutation in the tumor necrosis factor receptor superfamily (TACI) led to development of autoimmune diseases; whereas those with two mutations of TACI did not develop autoimmune diseases.

"When associated with CVID, a single TACI mutation predicts the development of autoantibody-mediated autoimmune disease, whereas patients with two mutated alleles are mostly spared clinical autoimmune conditions, suggesting a complex role for TACI in maintaining B cell tolerance" (From article: CVID-associated TACI mutations affect autoreactive B cell selection and activation, Published September 24, 2013)

A recent article published by Science Codex (Development of Autoimmunity in Patients with Common Variable Immune Deficiency) explained the findings more clearly for those of us without advanced biology degrees: 

"The (research study) authors found that CVID patients with a single altered TACI allele maintained some residual B cell responsiveness that promoted development of autoantibodies, whereas individuals with 2 mutated copies of TACI have complete impairment of B cell responses, which likely prevents autoimmunity."

My question, is it truly better to have total impairment of B cell responses? I grant that being free of autoimmune diseases is a blessing, but what about the little infection-fighting that we have with some B cell responsiveness? I don't understand the biological terminology in the Journal of Clinical Investigation article enough to tell whether there is enough B cell responsiveness left in people with only one TACI mutation to fight infections. If so, which is more beneficial? At the very least this research answers some of our questions about why we can develop autoimmune diseases with broken immune systems. For those of us with CVID, answers are truly a gift. Thank you, Eric Meffre and colleagues for your efforts.

Negative Impacts of Stress on the Immune System

This morning I was reading an article from Science Daily about how a person's current state of mind can affect their genetic makeup, and as I was reading it I came across a few paragraphs on how stress impacts the immune system.

"Previous studies had found that circulating immune cells show a systematic shift in baseline gene-expression profiles during extended periods of stress, threat or uncertainty. Known as conserved transcriptional response to adversity, or CTRA, this shift is characterized by an increased expression of genes involved in inflammation and a decreased expression of genes involved in antiviral responses.This response, Cole noted, likely evolved to help the immune system counter the changing patterns of microbial threat that were ancestrally associated with changing socio-environmental conditions; these threats included bacterial infection from wounds caused by social conflict and an increased risk of viral infection associated with social contact."But in contemporary society and our very different environment, chronic activation by social or symbolic threats can promote inflammation and cause cardiovascular, neurodegenerative and other diseases and can impair resistance to viral infections," said Cole, the senior author of the research."

From article: Be Happy: Your Genes May Thank You for It in Science Daily

Many times I have wondered whether a very stressful period of my life could have a negative impact on my immune system. I don't know as I would go so far as to say that it could cause CVID, but I have been under extreme levels of stress and have seen my body break down under the pressure. Recently I was laid off from my job, my serious relationship ended, and my best friend moved out of state, all within 3 months of each other. I have seen a direct impact on my health with multiple respiratory infections and a bout of shingles. I try to counter the effects of stress by using self-hypnosis recordings and focusing on the positives of my life. Other things like a hot bath with relaxing music, a positive book that encourages me to look at all I have to be grateful for, and pampering myself all seem to help. I believe these things all help to offset the negative impacts of stress.

A Positive Twist

I recently read a book on gratitude and it said to be grateful for your good health. At first take it came across as callous: I thought "this person has no idea what it's like to have a serious disease that interferes with a normal life". The book went on to say that the gift of health is keeping us alive, and that gave me new insight into my own health. My body has been through so many infections, injuries, and trauma that it's amazing that I'm still here and feel as good as I do. Perhaps, then, I have been given a greater gift of health than a "healthy" person because I have lived through all of these things and am still around. At the very least it is a testament to my strength and endurance. If strength and endurance are evidence of good health, then I think all of us zebras have it in abundance. This way of thinking gives me hope and something to be grateful for, and I hope that it might give some of you a boost for your day.

P.s. I now have a post-it that says "The gift of health is keeping me alive" on my bathroom mirror, and it gives me strength.

Rest in Peace...

I'm sad to report that two members of my CVID support group succumbed to complications of the disease over the last few weeks. One had a staph infection that got out of control, and the other aspirated during port surgery.

Very sad news. Rest in peace.

Duke University Received 1.3 Million for CVID Research

I learned yesterday that Duke University received a donation of 1.3 Million dollars for research into CVID. According to the The Chronicle (Duke University's newspaper), the donation funds will be used to "research the genetic mechanisms that give rise to CVID" Duke Chronicle. This research could help improve diagnostic criteria that will help identify CVID patients earlier in life, and potentially prevent long-term damage from infections.

Duke University has been named one of the United States' top hospitals and is located in Durham, North Carolina.

(Photo from Google Pictures_Duke University)

A Special Recommendation

I have been making a lot of changes in my life to improve my health, and have stumbled upon a few products that seem to really help. One of them is a Himalayan Salt Inhaler. I bought it after finding that I recovered more quickly than usual after a respiratory infection when I used sea salt in my vaporizer at night. I have now been using it for a few weeks, and it helps my lungs so much! I've been using it daily, and when my lungs feel so congested that I'm afraid I might be getting sick again. The amazing thing is that, unlike anything I've tried before, it takes away the congestion! I also seem to have more strength and energy than I've had in many years! I'm so excited and have more hope than I've had in a very long time!



There are many different brands of salt inhalers available, but this one is ceramic and has holes (many small and one big for filling) in the bottom like a salt shaker. It arrived with 2 packets of pink Himalayan sea salt crystals. The manufacturers recommend using a packet of salt per month. Just as in ceramic salt shakers, you pour the crystals into the bottom of the inhaler and there is a little plastic plug that fits in the hole. Inside the inhaler, below the mouthpiece, is another layer of ceramic with salt-shaker holes. To use the inhaler, you shake it and with the mouthpiece up, inhale deeply. After holding your breath as long as possible, exhale through your nose. That allows the salt to treat your sinuses as well. The manufacturer recommends using for 10 minutes twice daily. That sounds like a bit of a burden to me, so I sit with it next to me as I go through my day. I even take it to work with me and use it at my desk! I've gotten some weird looks, but I don't care...it makes me healthier! :)


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