Autoimmune Life Blog

Community and news about autoimmune diseases, allergies and more.

Blog Main Image - 2D Genetic Engineering
June 17, 2022

Finding Genetic Changes That Cause Autoimmunity

To better treat — and even prevent — autoimmune diseases, we need to know exactly what causes them. Scientists have long known that genetics play a role in these diseases but are still working to understand how and why.

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Blog Main Pedersen Editorial
June 17, 2022

Honoring Family with an Endowment for T1D Research

When Nina and Georg Pedersen were writing charitable gifts into their will, they had two goals: finding meaningful ways to honor their family and recognizing the expert care they’ve received at Virginia Mason.

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Blog Main Image - 3D Biological Coronavirus Blue Green
June 17, 2022

$11.4 Million to Explore Link Between Viruses and Immune System Diseases

Understanding how viruses impact the immune system has long been a focus at BRI. Two years of pandemic life have made answering two questions particularly important: Can respiratory viruses like the common cold or COVID-19 start the chain reaction that leads to immune system disease?

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Blog Main Image - Peanut Butter in Jar Top View
April 11, 2022

Progress Against Peanut Allergies

One question inspired Erik Wambre, PhD, to dedicate his career to allergy research. “Why can most people eat peanuts without a problem, but some people have a serious reaction to just a small amount?” he says. “What makes one person allergic and not another?”

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Blog Main Image - Researcher Woman Examining Samples Blue
April 5, 2022

Inside BRI’s Gut Immunity Program

To most people, the gut is just a part of your body that helps digest food.

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Blog Main Image - 3D Biological Coronavirus Orange Blue
March 31, 2022

Two Years in: How BRI Continues to Fight COVID-19

A pattern emerged at the beginning of the pandemic: COVID-19 led to an overly aggressive immune response in some people, causing deadly inflammation.

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Blog Main - Photo Mara Sitting EDITORIAL
March 20, 2022

BRI’s Approach Inspires Mara’s Support

At age 14, Mara, who is now in her 30s, was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. A few years ago, she also learned she had celiac disease and was recently confronted with a rheumatoid arthritis diagnosis.

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Blog Main Image - Researcher Woman Working Hood Glass
March 17, 2022

Exploring Alpha: Deep Dive into T Cells Unveils Possible Driver of T1D

A team led by Peter Linsley, PhD, and Karen Cerosaletti, PhD, recently uncovered a clue that could help solve the mystery of why and how T1D starts and maybe even open the door to new therapies that stop the disease.

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Blog Main Gretchen Schoenstein Runner Editorial
February 23, 2022

One Pandemic, Three Autoimmune Diseases and 100 Half Marathons

Rain was pouring down on the morning of Gretchen Schoenstein’s 100th half marathon — a day she’d dreamt of but wasn’t sure would ever come. That morning, the event’s producer asked her to share a few words.

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Blog Main Frannie Bars Editorial
February 10, 2022

Research Fuels Change: One Family’s Motivation to Participate

Becky Ronan has seen firsthand how research has impacted life for people with Down syndrome. When her older brother Kevin was born with Down syndrome in 1967, her parents were advised not to bring him home. “Most people with Down syndrome were put in institutions,” Becky says.

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