"The confusion thus created could become so serious that a major conflict between the conservatives and progressives could emerge and destabilize Kim Jong Il's political system, " says North Korea analyst Han.
The immune system cells produce a protein called interleukin-6 (IL-6) that contributes to the overgrowth of lymphatic cells and leads to many of the signs and symptoms of Castleman disease.
The bacteria interacts with a molecule called IL-8 which should act as the messenger to rally other parts of the immune system to attack the "invader".
His young age would complicate his rise to power immensely, due to the years of preparatory work needed to construct a powerful support system for the leadership candidate, such as the one that smoothed Kim Jong-Il's transition in 1994.
This binding process stimulates production of a protein called interleukin-10 (IL-10) that acts as an anti-inflammatory compound and which helps keep the immune system's response to the infection in check.