Tattoos To Help Treat Multiple Sclerosis?

A temporary tattoo containing antioxidant nanoparticles may help treat autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis in the future. The study shows that nanoparticles modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) are conveniently choosy as they are taken up by cells in the immune system. That could be a plus for patients with autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis. Placed just under the skin, the carbon based particles form a dark spot that fades over about one week as they are slowly released into the circulation. T and B lymphocyte cells and macrophages are key components of the immune system. However in many autoimmune diseases like multiple sclerosis, T cells are the key players. One suspected cause is that T cells lose their ability to distinguish between invaders and healthy tissue and attack both. The ability to selectively inhibit one type of cell over others in the same environment may help doctors gain more control over autoimmune diseases.