Antibodies involved in nerve repair in injuries, researchers find
Monday, June 14, 2010 - 17:30
in Health & Medicine
Antibodies -- proteins the immune system makes to defend the body against invading pathogens -- have a gentler side nobody knew about until now: They function not only as soldiers but also as nurses. Researchers now think antibodies' absence in the central nervous system may be a key part of the reason why nerve damage there doesn't get naturally repaired in humans. That insight could lead to new treatments for stroke and spinal-cord trauma.