Quote:
Originally Posted by billybob123
The theory is the CD34+ stem cells then produce and differentiate into CD4+ T cells that no longer are specific for myelin. I think it's far less about the myelin being restored; rather it's the myelin no longer being destroyed by the autoreactive T cells.
This one has promise... I hope. We work on MS in our lab and it's tough to find things that work in mice that work in humans.
ETA: your first point as well - in trials there is no way ethics would ever approve immunosuppression alone in humans.
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Regarding your first point: this is the fantasy basis that a lot of the "stem" or precursor cell labs subscribe to. Biggest question: why would the cells differentiate in this manner? People propose this type of thing in the heart world as well, but never describe the differentiation process (and the requisite cues) that the cells will undergo.
As for the control arm... they're mandatory in some shape or form. Otherwise, how do you know what the activity of the cell treatment is? Even in terminal cancers they'll often run a best supportive care arm, which is effectively nothing better than a placebo.