This is amazing! It has been found that in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), the disease that Stephen Hawking has, the immune system system attacks and kills motor neurons. They used a worm called Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans) and introduced a mutated human gene (TDP-43 or FUS) into C. elegans, a nematode worm widely used for genetic experiments. The worms became paralyzed within about 10 days. Then in an effort to save the worm, they introduced a mutated immune gene gene called tir-1.  “Worms with an immune deficit resulting from the tir-1 gene’s mutation were in better health and suffered far less paralysis.”

So a mutation in an immune gene that leads to less immune function leads to less killing of motor neurons and far more healthy and less paralyzed worms! Amazing!

In my humble opinion, the immune system is involved in FAR MORE diseases than we know. I believe the immune system is involved in mental illnesses as well. That is why I am always keeping an eye on Immunological involvement in Neurological and or Mental illnesses.

http://www.neuroscientistnews.com/research-news/study-nematode-model-als-offers-new-treatment-hope