Researchers led by scientists from University College London have, for the first time, reported the spontaneous recovery of 3 patients with transthyretin cardiac amyloidopathy (ATTR-CM), a rare but severe and progressive heart condition where sticky, toxic proteins build up in the heart muscle and cause heart failure. They believe that the recovery may have been due to an immune response, suggesting that antibody treatments could be effective against the condition.
Antibodies were found in the three men that specifically targeted amyloid deposits. These amyloid-targeting antibodies were not found in other patients whose condition progressed as normal.
If these antibodies can be harnessed, they could be combined with new therapies being trialed that suppress TTR protein production. This would enable clinicians to clear away amyloid as well as prevent further amyloid deposition, according to researchers.
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