Proteins found in umbilical cord blood could be used to treat eczema and rheumatoid arthritis, surprise findings by researchers at the blood cancer charity Anthony Nolan suggest.
Scientists at the Anthony Nolan Research Institute made the discovery while looking for treatments for a condition called skin Graft versus Host Disease (GvHD), that affects some stem cell transplant patients. GvHD is a side-effect that sees the transplant patient's new immune system attacking their body, often leading to severe skin reactions.
It is thought the discovery could eventually lead to the development of a pioneering cream containing cord blood proteins as the active ingredient, which could alleviate the symptoms of eczema and rheumatoid arthritis, as well as of GvHD.
