Treating Autoimmune Diseases Using an Alternating Electric Field to Reduce the Proliferation of T-Cells

Abstract

Damage from autoimmune diseases can be prevented or minimized by positioning a plurality of electrodes in or on a subject's body, and applying an AC voltage between the plurality of electrodes so as to impose an alternating electric field through the tissue that is being attacked by the autoimmune disease and/or draining lymph nodes associated with that tissue. The frequency and field strength of the alternating electric field are selected such that the alternating electric field inhibits proliferation of T cells in the tissue to an extent that reduces damage that is caused by the autoimmune disease.

1 . A method of preventing or minimizing damage from an autoimmune disease in a target region of a subject's body, the method comprising:
 positioning a plurality of electrodes in or on the subject's body, positioned with respect to the target region so that application of an AC voltage between the plurality of electrodes will impose an alternating electric field through tissue that is being attacked by the autoimmune disease in the target region; and   applying an AC voltage between the plurality of electrodes for an interval of time, such that an alternating electric field is imposed through the tissue for the interval of time,   wherein the alternating electric field has a frequency and a field strength such that when the alternating electric field is imposed in the tissue for the interval of time, the alternating electric field inhibits proliferation of T cells in the tissue to an extent that reduces damage that is caused by the autoimmune disease.   
     
     
         2 .- 21 . (canceled)