New research into immune system offers hope for people with arthritis

Scientists at Edinburgh University have discovered how the body’s defence system against arthritis is switched off which could lead to new treatments in the future to prevent painful flare-ups and help treat rheumatoid arthritis.

The scientists have discovered how compounds produced in the body’s immune system help to dampen inflammation and prevent damage to healthy tissues. The findings were published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences and suggest that therapies based on these compounds could help to treat rheumatoid arthritis.

The compounds are called alpha defensins, and are part of the body’s first line of defence against infection. They help to stop bacteria and other infectious agents from reproducing.

Past studies have suggested that the compounds may also act on cells of the immune system to prevent excessive inflammation, but until now it was not clear how the process worked.

For this study, involving human cells, the researchers have shown that alpha defensins are released by immune cells called neutrophils when they die. The alpha defensins are then taken up by other immune cells called macrophages. The scientists discovered that the compounds prevent macrophages from producing messenger molecules called cytokines, which drive inflammation. The overall effect is to limit excessive inflammation and restricting damage to healthy tissues without compromising the body’s ability to clear the infection.

Researchers say their findings could lead to new treatments for chronic inflammatory disorders including rheumatoid arthritis. Such therapies could even prevent the condition from flaring-up in the first place, the team predicts.

Dr Mohini Gray, of the University’s MRC Centre for Inflammation Research, says, “This discovery opens the door to new approaches for the treatment and prevention of chronic inflammation. We are hopeful that with further research, these treatments could be exploited in the near future.”

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