SCRIPTURE
"But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the
end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased." Daniel 12:4
QUOTE
“All that lives must die, passing through nature to eternity” - Shakespeare
SCIENCE
The immune system is one of the most sophisticated engineering marvels created by God to keep us in good health. The immune system’s primary function is to protect us from harmful pathogens. During embryonic development, the immune system learns to identify the self and the non-self (pathogens). It contains specific controls or checkpoints which eliminate cells that attack the body. However, some pathogens mimic the cells and tissues (proteins) of the human body. The body’s immune system mistakenly recognizes them as invaders and attacks the organs, tissues, and cells. This leads to various life-threatening autoimmune diseases such as type 1 diabetes, Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis, Myasthenia Gravis, Reactive Arthritis, Pernicious Anemia, etc. Any organ system in the body can be affected by autoimmunity. There are limitations to treatment options since many patients are drug- resistant, however, with the advent of a revolutionary technology called CAR-T (Chimeric Antigen Receptor) cell therapy, many patients with several autoimmune disorders and cancer experience complete remission. In CAR-T cell therapy, the patient’s blood is collected, and the T cells (a subtype of white blood cell) are removed and genetically modified using viruses. These cells are grown in the lab and, after multiplying millions, are put back into the patient’s body. The CAR-T cells identify the target cells (autoantibody-producing cells or cancer cells) and kill them all. In a recent clinical trial on 5 patients with SLE (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus) or Lupus, an autoimmune disease treated with CAR-T cells, all the patients were in remission, as reported in the Sept 15th issue of Nature medicine. Now CAR-T cell therapy has become standardized and the mainstream cancer treatment, especially in patients with aggressive lymphoma. CAR-T cell therapies are customized for each individual patient. It is a “living drug” because live T cells kill the target cells. This is a historic accomplishment.
LET US PONDER
If mortal man could re-engineer the human body and enhance the physical life span, how much more the immortal God could do to re-engineer (transform) the human spirit and enhance our spiritual lives?
“Flesh gives birth to flesh, but the Spirit gives birth to spirit. You should not be surprised at my saying, ‘You must be born again.” John 3:6,7 Only God/Jesus can re-engineer our spirit and reprogram our physical body to live as a glorious body in heaven.