However, the few surviving motor neurons were filled with an antibody that the patients' immune system was generating.
Antibodies are proteins that the body normally makes to fight infection.
The immune system in this patient was abnormal, as it should not have made antibodies that reacted with its own cells such as the neurons. However, from a research perspective this accident of nature was very useful because antibodies are specific in their reactions and, it allowed him to determine the target of the antibody on neuronal cells. Dr.v Sadiq's experiments showed that the antibody from the patient with ALS reacted with a specific protein on neuronal cells and probably caused cell death. It is possible that this protein may be important for motor neuron survival and any factor that interferes with its function may result in neuronal loss. Untitled The information contained on this web site may not be published, broadcast or otherwise distributed without the prior written authorization of The ALS Association.