Body's Immune System can be Redirected

Ridgelift writes "BBC News have this story of a key chemical signalling system, called Notch, which governs how our body develops immune cells. By pre-treating patients who are about to undergo an organ transplant, it's possible to 'redirect' the immune system so it does not launch an attack on the donor organ. This may soon eliminate the need for transplant patients having to take a lifetime of powerful immunosuppressive drugs that have many unwanted side-effects."

Comments

redirecting the only option?

[kurosawdust]

does anyone know if the same principles used for redirecting can be applied to accelerate the development of immune system cells?

If so, please email me, as I would certainly prefer being superhuman and taking over the world.

Redirecting is easy

[TheRoachMan]

immunesystem > /dev/null

Distributed healing?

[dotgod]

So this means we can attach a bunch of people to a sick person and redirect all of their immune systems to the sick guy and heal him right?

Re:Distributed healing?

[momerath2003]

If by "heal" you mean "kill," then yes.

I'd like to see that

[jtheory]

Overactive immune systems generally tend to attack healthy tissue (your white blood cells and antibodies NEVER fix damage anyway -- that's not their job).

Let's see you taking over the world with systemic autoimmune disorders.

"Who dares stand against ME! You shall feel the wrath of my lupus, arthritis, blistered skin, depression, blood clots, floater-filled vision, thyroiditis, and myositis!"

Running away, are you?! Come back here, I'll bite your kneecaps off!"