Fragmentation of these molecules exposes hidden parts of the molecules that the immune system has never seen. The immune system 'sees' the newly exposed parts as foreign invaders and produces the antibodies against them. This produces the symptoms of scleroderma. Scientists pieced together the likely chain reaction activating the immune system by analyzing the circumstances under which the fragments are produced. This reaction centers on the cell's nucleolus, in which both the fragmented molecules and the abnormal amounts of metals become concentrated.
Clinical studies are underway.
Hopkins scientists are investigating what causes the abnormal cellular metal accumulation and whether the abnormal metals cause the blood vessels to narrow. The team is also studying drugs that might prevent the autoantigens from being fragmented.