Scientists say they have discovered how to ‘switch off’ autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and type 1 diabetes.

Researchers at the University of Bristol, who describe the work as an ‘important breakthrough’, say it could improve the lives of millions around the world. In their research, published in Nature Communications, the team reveals how to stop cells from attacking healthy body tissue.

The team discovered how cells convert from being aggressive to protecting against disease, rather than the body’s immune system destroying its own tissue by mistake.

It is hoped the insight will lead to the widespread use of antigen-specific immuno-therapy as treatment for many auto-immune disorders.

Conditions which could be affected by the research include MS, type 1 diabetes, Graves’ disease and systemic lupus erythematosus.

The researchers have now revealed how the administration of fragments of the proteins that are normally the target for the attack leads to correction of the autoimmune response.

Their work also shows that effective treatment can be achieved by gradually increasing the dose of antigenic fragment injected.