Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Overactive immunity, suppressed, or both?

I came across a very interesting thread on a new inflammatory disease discussion site. The basis of the question posed was: Is the immune system actually overactive in inflammatory diseases? I thought the answer from the research staff was very interesting and gave me some insight into what may be happening with my immune system. See the thread here if you have an interest in this sort of stuff: Overactive Immune System?

NorCalJim

Interesting, I've never thought of our immune systems as suppressed in the case of AS, RA, JRS, MS and others such as this. More, that they were mistakenly over-active. If you know what I mean.

As I understand it, in AS (and presumably the other forms of autoimmune based arthritis) the B-cells mistakenly identify our joints/joint linings/ligament and tendon attachments, as foreign invaders. The T-cells go out and do their jobs perfectly well, seeking and destroying whatever the B-cells have attached themselves to.

So, really, AS is caused by mistaken identity!! Whether you classify that as over-active, over-functioning or what, I don't know.

Hugs,

I believe your understanding is what's commonly known as molecular mimicry. I don't think they are necessarily disputing that but adding another layer on top of it. I think what they're trying to get at is what causes the malfunction in the first place. My understanding in this case is that they're under the impression that the innate immunity system is being shut down and causing a malfunction and overactivity in the adaptive immunity which recognizes particular targets. That's how they are coming to the conclusion that the immune system could simultaneously be suppressed and overactive. Who knows whats really going on at the molecular levels to cause us all this grief, but at least there's some pretty smart folks out there asking questions about it for us...

NorCalJim

it is an interesting topic

I know at least 4 of us on here are experiencing some relief with LDN. LDN acts by stimulating the immune system and creating more endorphins. It kind of ties into the Marshall protocol info you have posted about but not entirely.

Interesting research to be sure. I am not sure I buy the Vit D part. That contradicts so much other research that is currently being done.

Drizz,

I think you have to take their vitamin D info in the context of their treatment and not so much as a blanket condemnation. My understanding is that the main reason they want to limit exogenous D during the treatment is because they are using the ARB Olmesartan to activate the nuclear VDR of the Phagocytes. They do this to modulate innate immunity in a dose dependent manner. Any extra D will compete with that process as they are both targeting the same receptors...

NorCalJim

I don't know if it's actually molecular mimicry, but that is one theory to explain the process. I'm not sure how to search the various theories (ie. what parameters to google), as I'm relatively certain that this is just one of several.

Amen to that last bit!

Hugs,