Natural protein used to combat multiple sclerosis

Stanford University scientists have discovered a naturally occurring protein that could be used to treat multiple sclerosis. Injecting alphaB-crystallin into mice with MS, the researchers say they were able to reduce symptoms and cell death while reversing paralysis. Dr. Lawrence Steinman, a professor of neurology and neurological sciences, says that the immune system automatically attacks the protein when it finds it in the brain, even though it's a natural healing agent. "Like a runaway truck careening down a mountain and then having the brakes fall off, the immune attack against alphaB-crystallin worsens the (MS) situation," Steinman wrote.

- check out the report on the project from the CBC