The results of this study identify natural lipids present in the skin that augment and inhibit human T cell response, supporting the idea that lipids are T cell antigens.
Lara C. Pullen, PhD, is a medical writer with a PhD in microbiology/immunology from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine. As a medical writer she has covered topics as diverse as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and autism. Her favorite subject, however, is the role of the immune system in health and disease. Dr. Pullen is also the mother of three children, the youngest of whom has Prader-Willi Syndrome (PWS). She is an active member of the PWS community and a thought leader on the importance of the ketogenic diet for this patient population.
Articles by Lara C. Pullen, PhD
Understanding the Role of Citrullination in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Activation of peptidylarginine deiminases during complement and perforin activity may be at the core of citrullinated autoantigen production in RA.
Can Scleroderma Be Cured by Curing Cancer?
Research review
Human RNAi Therapy Jumps Hurdle
A new proof-of-concept human study brings RNA interference therapy one step closer to market. (published March 3, 2014)
Microbiome Research Provides Clue to Rheumatoid Arthritis
A new study suggests that intestinal expansion of Prevotella copri may be associated with the pathogenesis of RA
Interleukin 1-alpha Is Critical for Establishment of Inflammatory Lung Disease
New research clarifies the role of fibroblasts in chronic lung disease. (posted Jan. 21)
Does Anti-Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Increase Cardiovascular Burden?
Long-term use of TNFα inhibitors in patients with rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis is associated with both gains in fat mass and a shift in fat mass to the visceral region. (posted Jan. 14)
Genetic Link Between Cellular Cholesterol Homeostasis and Energy Metabolism
A new study suggests that GATM may serve as the functional link between the ability of statins to lower cholesterol and their ability to cause statin-induced myopathy. (posted Nov. 19)
Colchicine Effective for Acute Pericarditis
Patients with acute pericarditis who are treated with colchicine in combination with a traditional antiinflammatory therapy experience a significantly reduced rate of incessant or recurrent pericarditis. (posted Oct. 31)
Telomere Length Provides Insights into Cartilage Aging and Repair
Chondrocyte telomere length might play a role in the natural aging of cartilage, as well as the development and progression of OA. (posted Oct. 8, 2013)