LLupus, rheumatoid arthritis, multiple sclerosis, Crohn’s disease, type 1 diabetes… These are the most widespread and best known autoimmune diseases, conditions caused by a disruption in our immune system, when it attacks us instead of protecting us. These diseases mainly affect women, and are one of the ten leading causes of death in women under 65.
In Montpellier, for the first time in France, a new university hospital institute, Immun4Cure, is entirely dedicated to these diseases. To better accommodate patients, and work on developing drugs. Meeting with its director, Professor Christian Jorgensen, who also directs the Institute of Regenerative Medicine and Biotherapy (IRMB) in Montpellier.
The Point: What exactly is an autoimmune disease?
Christian Jorgensen: We have a very sophisticated immune system. When we catch a virus, the body and its immunity produce antibodies. There is a parallel cellular response, with immune cells, called T lymphocytes, which attack the virus or bacteria. But sometimes, things go wrong. And the origin of these dysfunctions is not known. We then have antibodies that turn against a target of the body. Or lymphocytes that destroy an organ by generating chronic inflammation. The typical example is the […] Read more
