US and Israeli scientists has developed a new method for treating systemic lupus erythematosus, a severe chronic autoimmune disease that most often affects young women of reproductive age, Science reported.

In a new study, scientists from Ben-Gurion University, together with their American counterparts, discovered a unique mechanism by which mitochondrial DNA leaves cells through a large protein channel and, therefore, triggers lupus.

Mitochondria are organelles of cells that produce most of the cellular energy. Mitochondria are essential for cellular functionality and maintenance. Mitochondrial DNA is determined by the immune system as foreign objects, because of which it gives rise to a specific immune response.

Scientists have developed a new molecule to prevent the formation of a protein channel that blocks mitochondrial DNA, as well as the proteins that cause cell death. Scientists have achieved impressive success, but so far only on mouse models of lupus. The next step in this study will be the study of this technique for other diseases like colitis and Crohn's disease.

According to the Lupus Patient Assistance Fund, there are about 5 million people with systemic lupus erythematosus in the world today.