Protein linked to salt consumption now implicated in MS

Researchers have found a significant connection between high salt intake and the disruption of immune regulation, which may contribute to autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS).

The study focuses on the protein PRDM1-S, which becomes overexpressed when exposed to high levels of salt, leading to dysfunction in regulatory T cells. These cells are essential for maintaining immune balance, and their malfunction can trigger autoimmune responses where the body attacks its own tissues.

This discovery highlights the impact of environmental factors, particularly diet, on genetic mechanisms and immune system function.

The overexpression of PRDM1-S has been linked to the development of autoimmune conditions like MS, deepening our understanding of how diet can influence disease. Researchers are now working on developing drugs to reduce PRDM1-S expression, with the hope of creating new treatments that could be effective across a range of autoimmune disorders. This finding underscores the importance of diet in managing autoimmune diseases and opens new possibilities for treatment.