Undiplomatic immunity: Mutation causing arterial autoimmune disease revealed

Takayasu arteritis is an autoimmune disease resulting in chronic aortic inflammation leading to aneurysm or aortic regurgitation. Researchers showed that it is caused by MLX gene mutation. This mutation increased oxidative stress and inflammasome formation and activity, specifically in the aortic valves, explaining the inflammatory state and associated symptoms. This insight suggests the potential value of treating this disease with medicines effective against other conditions involving excessive inflammasome activation.