In order to protect the identity of the people who have shared their experience, information such as names and addresses has been modified and omitted. The images found on this blog are actual images provided by the girl's guardian.

Pilar tells us the results she has seen in her daughter Matilde during the administration of the 6th and 7th doses intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG). as well as the decision to give Valtrex (antiviral medication) again.

Matilde, Pilar's daughter, with a diagnosis of autism questionable, in this update they tell us about the possible finding related to immune system dysfunction by Matilda and the possible creation of autoantibodies against Interferon preventing defense against viruses such as herpes (HHV6 and HHV7).

Follow the case from the beginning through this link.

During the 6th and 7th doses of intravenous immunoglobulins we did not notice any progress, In fact we were worried because he didn't seem to be getting better and seemed to be having more bouts of infections than normal, he had plateaued. 

After a consultation with one of the professionals handling my daughter's case, we decided to take back the VALTREX (Antiviral medication), I had the feeling that my daughter's condition had worsened since we stopped the medication a few months ago.

We resume VALTREX 10 days before the 7th dose of IVIG, and the advances returned. The most noticeable thing is her condition, she is much calmer, she has fewer tantrums, she is more flexible, when she is told to do something she does not want to do, she protests much less.

On the other hand, at a cognitive level, we see more use of language to communicate, more elaborate sentences and above all an increase in understanding, she is more independent, she is more attentive at school and in therapies. 

In the case of my daughter, the viruses that tested positive are herpes Virus 6 and 7. Even though she was giving Valtrex for more than 6 months, herpes 7 continued to test positive (PCR positive) and herpes 6 in quantitative PCR was negative. .

I'm starting to think that Maybe my daughter's problem is this chronic viral load. Understanding how a cell infected by HHV6 or HHV7 behaves is not easy. All the literature I find describes acute infectious processes, where the patient suffers a momentary infection. In the case of my daughter and many like her, I think it is a chronic low-grade infection that infects cells of the immune system and nervous system, causing these systems to malfunction.

I want to think that What immunoglobulins are doing is repairing the body's defense system making it more effective when it comes to fighting infections and locating attackers that are inside the body's own cells in a state of semi-latency waiting for the moment when the immune system lowers its guard a little more to cause even more damage. .

By giving Valtrex, we manage to stop viral replication (we prevent certain viruses from multiplying) and we allow the immune system to modulate (thanks to the effect of IVIG and the reduced viral load).

From what I see in my daughter, if there is no replication (that is, an increase in the viral load) or there is less, she is better, which leads me to think that these viruses are actively affecting my daughter. 

The immune system has multiple defense mechanisms, and I wonder:

Why can't my daughter's immune system cope with the attack of these viruses?

What is going wrong? Innate immunity, adaptive immunity?

Innate Immunity

1. Physical and Chemical Barriers: The first line of defense is barriers such as the skin and mucous membranes, as well as secretions such as stomach acid and mucus, which physically or chemically prevent the entry of viruses.
2. Inflammatory answer: If a virus penetrates these barriers, an inflammatory response is triggered. This includes increasing blood flow and mobilizing immune cells such as macrophages and neutrophils to the site of infection.
3. Phagocytic Cells: Macrophages and neutrophils can engulf and destroy pathogens through a process called phagocytosis.
4. Complement System Proteins: These proteins in the blood can mark pathogens for destruction and help eliminate them.

Adaptive Immunity

1. T cells: T cells, especially cytotoxic T cells, play a crucial role in defending against viruses. These cells can recognize and destroy virus-infected cells.
2. B Cells and Antibodies: B cells produce antibodies that can neutralize viruses, preventing them from infecting new cells. Antibodies can also mark viruses for destruction by other cells of the immune system.
3. Immunological Memory: After an infection, the immune system maintains a "memory" of the pathogens through memory B and T cells. This allows for a faster and more effective response in future exposures to the same virus.

Additional Mechanisms

• Interferons: These proteins are released by virus-infected cells and help protect neighboring cells from infection.
• Presentation of Antigens: Infected cells present fragments of viral proteins on their surface, which helps T cells recognize and respond to the infection.

My daughter's doctor posed a hypothesis to this question, according to him the inefficiency of my daughter's immune system against viral infections could be explained if it had produced autoantibodies against Interferons.

As I have explained before, Interferons are a defense mechanism of the immune system to protect cells against virus infection, but:

Exactly how do interferons work?

Interferons (IFNs): These proteins are released by cells in the presence of pathogens (such as viruses, bacteria) or tumor cells. They activate the protective defenses of the immune system. Types include IFN-alpha, IFN-beta, and IFN-omega, each with specific roles.

What happens when the immune system produces antibodies?

An antibody is a specialized protein of the immune system that is responsible for identifying and neutralizing foreign substances, such as bacteria, viruses and toxins. 

Its main functions are:

1. Antigen Recognition: Antibodies are capable of recognizing and specifically binding to antigens, which are specific molecules present on pathogens or foreign substances.
2. Pathogen Neutralization: By binding to antigens, antibodies can directly neutralize pathogens, preventing them from infecting cells.
3. Opsonization: They facilitate phagocytosis (capture and destruction) of pathogens by immune cells by marking them for elimination.
4. Activation of the Complement System: They can activate the complement system, a set of proteins that helps destroy pathogens.
5. Coordination of the Immune Response: They help coordinate other immune system responses, such as the activation of immune cells.

What is an autoantibody?

They are antibodies that mistakenly attack a person's tissues or organs, a characteristic of autoimmune diseases.

In the case of autoantibodies against Interferon 1, these block the normal functions of interferon, preventing:

1. Antiviral Response: Interferons are produced in response to the presence of viruses. They act by alerting neighboring cells and activating their defenses to inhibit viral replication.
2. Activation of the Immune System: They stimulate immune system cells, such as macrophages and natural killer cells, improving their ability to fight infections and tumors.
3. Regulation of the Immune System: Interferons help regulate the immune response, ensuring it is effective but not excessive, which is crucial for preventing harmful autoimmune responses.
4. Inhibition of Viral Replication: They directly interfere with the replication of viruses within infected cells.
5. Inter-Cellular Communication: They facilitate communication between cells of the immune system, coordinating a more effective and organized response against pathogens.

The doctor proposed that we test these antibodies against interferon 1 to see if his hypothesis was confirmed. The results came and he tested positive for INTERFERON 1 Omega (IFN-ω).

What specific functions does this interferon (INF-ω) perform?

1. Antiviral Activity: Like other type I interferons, IFN-ω is primarily known for its potent antiviral properties. It is produced in response to viral infections and works to inhibit viral replication within host cells. By binding to specific receptors on the cell surface, it activates a signaling pathway that leads to the expression of several genes that hinder viral replication and spread.

2. Modulation of the Immune System: IFN-ω modulates the immune system by influencing the activity of various immune cells. Improves the ability of cells such as macrophages and natural killer cells to respond to infections. This includes enhancing the ability of these cells to recognize and destroy infected cells or pathogens.

3. Antitumor Effects: There is evidence to suggest that type I interferons, including IFN-ω, may have antitumor effects. They may inhibit the growth and proliferation of certain cancer cells and may play a role in improving the immune system's ability to attack and destroy cancer cells.

4. Influence on Adaptive Immunity: IFN-ω can influence the adaptive immune response (the part of the immune system that has 'memory' of past infections). It affects the differentiation and activity of T and B cells, which are crucial for long-term immunity and the production of specific antibodies against pathogens.

5. Regulation of Other Cytokines: Interferons, including IFN-ω, can regulate the production of other cytokines, which are signaling proteins that mediate and regulate immunity, inflammation, and hematopoiesis. This regulation is important to maintain the balance of the immune response and prevent excessive inflammation.

6. Antiproliferative Effects: Aside from their role in immune defense, interferons such as IFN-ω can exert antiproliferative effects on cells, meaning they can inhibit cell growth and division. This property is particularly relevant in the context of cancer therapy.

We are currently awaiting another analysis to reconfirm the autoantibody results.

If the autoantibodies against Interferon Gamma are confirmed, it could explain my daughter's chronic viral infection and also if giving her VALTREX and reducing the viral load (she improves) I wonder if she would improve even more if we could address these autoantibodies that are preventing her immune system deal with infections.

We leave you here a link to an Instagram post where more is explained about IVIG. What is it? Its function and use as a treatment for systemic inflammation.

Also in our blog You can find articles related to these topics and other health areas.