Liangfang Zhang's invention uses human cell membranes to cloak nanoparticles, making them deliver drugs and remove toxins more effectively. The approach has shown promise against bacterial toxins, including MRSA, and may potentially treat diseases without conventional drugs.
Researchers have identified HERC4 as a crucial component of the TNF-induced cell death pathway, linking survival and death signalling. The protein's ubiquitination of RIPK1 initiates the formation of Complex II, triggering cell death through apoptosis or necroptosis.
An international study has established age-specific ultrasound reference values to distinguish normal joint changes from early signs of inflammatory arthritis. The study analysed over 28,000 joints from 802 healthy volunteers and developed new thresholds for normal and abnormal findings, which will help clinicians identify inflammatory...
A review of 15,886 scientific publications highlights the importance of early diagnosis and treatment in rheumatoid arthritis. Consistent treatment and regular monitoring of disease activity can prevent joint damage and improve patient quality of life.
A study of 60,980 US adults with autoimmune rheumatic conditions found that those who received updated COVID-19 vaccines had a 69% lower adjusted odds of COVID-19-related hospitalization compared to those who received only the initial series vaccines or were unvaccinated. The completion of the initial series and booster vaccination als...
A new study reveals striking biological similarities between five major illnesses, including long Covid and PTSD, suggesting common underlying mechanisms. Chronic fatigue syndrome, rheumatoid arthritis, and multiple sclerosis may be driven by shared regulatory networks in immune and metabolic systems.
Researchers at Charité report significant success in treating severe rheumatoid arthritis with CD19 CAR T cells, reducing disease activity and promoting sustained remission in patients. The treatment targets disease-driving B cells, allowing the immune system to reset and eliminate harmful antibodies.
A large population-based study found that emergency diagnoses are common across multiple conditions, including Parkinson’s disease and coronary heart disease, and are consistently associated with worse outcomes. The study suggests that emergency diagnosis is a common phenomenon across diverse diseases and is linked to higher mortality ...
Researchers from Children's Hospital of Philadelphia have found distinct genetic architecture in pediatric-onset rheumatic and inflammatory diseases compared to adults. The study identified 39 genome-wide significant variants associated with immune responses, including previously unreported variants.
A study published in Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases found a strong association between air pollution, particularly PM2.5, and increased disease activity and flare risk in RA patients. The study suggests that avoiding prolonged exposure to poor air quality may help reduce disease activity.
SourceElsevier·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateAug 5, 2026
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered that immune cells in lung tissue express genes associated with autoimmune disease risk. These tissue-resident immune cells may actively drive the development of autoimmune diseases, particularly in women.
New therapies using regulatory T cells, known as Tregs, could target diseases with inflammation, such as cancer and autoimmune conditions. Early evaluations show good tolerance and safety profiles, but precision is key to tailoring treatments for specific patients.
A new review highlights advances in preventing bone loss in people with rheumatoid arthritis, showing that modern antirheumatic therapies can significantly reduce both localized erosions and generalized bone loss. Emerging imaging technologies like HR-pQCT have been found to detect subtle bone erosions earlier and more sensitively.
A new review highlights that vitamin D deficiency is common and clinically important in patients with inflammatory rheumatic diseases, but the current evidence does not support a direct disease-modifying effect. Vitamin D supplementation shows modest benefits in some patients, particularly those with low baseline vitamin D levels.
Researchers have discovered a previously underappreciated mechanism that helps immune cells respond rapidly to infections by altering RNA splicing. This study provides new insights into immune-mediated diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus, and may lead to more targeted therapies.
Researchers at Aarhus University discovered a new compound, 4-octyl itaconate, that inhibits inflammation in joints by activating the body's anti-inflammatory system. This treatment targets synoviocytes instead of immune cells, offering a promising new option for patients with severe or treatment-resistant rheumatoid arthritis.
A study by researchers at Semmelweis University found that depression can be both a consequence and cause of rheumatoid arthritis. The study identified patterns between depression, smoking, obesity, sleep disorders, and inflammation in maintaining persistent symptoms.
A new study suggests that ultrasound stimulation can bring about functionally meaningful changes in pain perception and brain connectivity. The research found a delayed analgesic effect, with participants reporting reduced pain intensity after 28-55 minutes following TUS application.
Researchers mapped over 1.25 million cells to reveal sex-specific differences in the human immune system. Female immune cells exhibit higher levels of B cells and regulatory T cells, but also a greater predisposition to autoimmune diseases like lupus due to their highly reactive profile.
Researchers found that patients taking TNF inhibitors reported better energy levels and mood, while those on IL-6 and JAK inhibitors showed improved physical functioning. This suggests different drug classes offer distinct advantages across quality-of-life domains.
Research found that people who spend a higher proportion of their total physical activity doing vigorous activity have substantially lower risks of all eight serious health conditions. The benefits of vigorous activity remained even when the amount of time was modest.
The 2025 update provides 5 overarching principles and 9 individual recommendations for managing rheumatoid arthritis, emphasizing patient-centered care and simplifying clinical approaches. The update prioritizes treatment targets, monitoring frequency, and the role of methotrexate, glucocorticoids, biologics, and JAK inhibitors.
Copper metabolism plays a crucial role in inflammatory bone diseases, with copper overload suppressing glycogen synthesis and increasing inflammatory activity. Researchers found that cuproptosis, a form of programmed cell death, can lead to bone weakening and osteoclast formation, providing a potential new therapeutic target.
A new targeted PET/CT tracer can detect treatment response in rheumatoid arthritis patients as little as four weeks after treatment initiation. The imaging technique uses macrophages, a type of white blood cell, as a biomarker for disease activity, potentially allowing non-responders to pursue more effective therapies.
Researchers found that certain types of CD8+ killer T cells are more abundant in people with MS and target the EBV virus, indicating the virus may trigger an immune response leading to progressive neurological damage. The study suggests that interfering with EBV could have a significant impact on other autoimmune diseases.
Researchers identify fibroblast TGFβ signaling as a key driver of treatment-resistant rheumatoid arthritis. Advances in technology enable precision medicine approaches, promising to improve patient outcomes and quality of life.
A new study by King's College London found that early treatment with abatacept can delay rheumatoid arthritis (RA) onset in people at high risk for several years. The benefits persist even after treatment has stopped, potentially reducing the number of years people live with symptoms and complications.
Two first-in-class antibodies, C01 and C04, have been developed to inhibit inflammation in autoimmune diseases by blocking the high-affinity IgG receptor FcγRI. The antibodies were discovered using a unique immunization method and exhibit higher affinity for FcγRI than human IgG.
A University of Houston researcher identifies a protein that may reduce high ketone levels in diabetic patients, potentially improving health outcomes. The study also shows that the protein promotes muscle ketolysis and running capacity in mice.
Researchers have identified 57 unique proteins in urine that can indicate active damage to the kidneys, enabling non-invasive monitoring of lupus nephritis. This breakthrough could transform diagnosis and treatment for millions worldwide affected by systemic lupus erythematosus.
A new study reveals that population aging is the largest contributor to musculoskeletal disorders globally, accounting for approximately one third of countries and territories. The research highlights the need for targeted public health strategies and healthcare resource allocation to alleviate the burden of these disorders.
SourceElsevier·JournalAnnals of the Rheumatic Diseases·TypeData/statistical analysis·DateSep 16, 2025
Researchers have developed an artificial cartilage material that responds to pH changes in the body, releasing anti-inflammatory drugs precisely where and when needed. This approach could improve arthritis treatment outcomes by continuously delivering pain-relieving medication.
A new study from the University of Birmingham has found that immune ageing may be a driver of rheumatoid arthritis rather than a consequence of the disease. The research detected features of immune system ageing in the earliest stages of RA, even before clinical diagnosis, suggesting that early intervention is possible.
Researchers found that methotrexate significantly lowers systolic blood pressure in people with rheumatoid arthritis. The study suggests that this could be a new benefit of the drug beyond its usual role in treating inflammation, and may also provide protection against heart disease.
Researchers mapped the surface envelope glycoprotein of human endogenous retroviruses, opening doors to new diagnostic and therapeutic opportunities. The study revealed specific antibodies that target the viral proteins, potentially leading to new cancer immunotherapies and treatments for autoimmune diseases.
Researchers found two types of peripheral helper T cells in inflamed joints: stem-like and effector cells. Stem-like cells live in immune hubs and help activate B cells, while effector cells cause inflammation outside the hubs. Targeting stem-like cells may offer new treatment hope for RA patients.
Scientists have developed a monoclonal antibody to combat life-threatening inflammatory diseases like sepsis and ARDS. The antibody shows promise in blocking the immune system's hyperactive response and restoring healthy function without unwanted side effects.
Nanoparticles containing calcitriol and a protein fragment from aggrecan have been shown to regulate dendritic cell activity, reducing inflammation and swelling in RA. The treatment also delays disease onset and reduces joint damage when combined with other medications.
Researchers have discovered a primate-specific cytokine called IGFL2 that plays a crucial role in regulating inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis. IGFL2 boosts the production of autoantibodies and activates immune cells, further amplifying inflammation and joint damage.
A new study by Bournemouth University reveals that spinning can improve recovery outcomes and reduce clinical time needed for physiotherapy treatment compared to standard care. The cycling and education classes prove more cost-effective, contributing to reducing NHS waiting times for hip osteoarthritis patients.
Researchers found that certain antiviral genes become less active with age in people with lupus, leading to fewer inflammatory proteins. This reversal of 'inflammaging' may explain why symptoms improve in some older patients, allowing them to approach healthy aging.
Researchers explore the biological mechanisms of myopenia in RA, finding it affects individuals of all ages, with notable muscle mass loss without concurrent fat loss. The review highlights the diagnostic and therapeutic relevance of myopenia in RA, emphasizing the importance of early detection and tailored management strategies.
Queen Mary University of London scientists have invented a method to predict patient response to biological therapies, reducing the risk of ineffective treatments and improving patient wellbeing. The approach uses gene sequencing and machine learning on joint tissue samples to forecast treatment outcomes.
Researchers create map of T cell responses to Chikungunya virus, shedding light on chronic disease triggers. They found that people with chronic disease have T cells targeting the same viral epitopes as those who cleared the virus.
A groundbreaking study has uncovered the unique architecture of cells and signals inside the joint as inflammation takes hold in children with arthritis. The research provides a new way forward for understanding this condition, which affects over 10,000 children in the UK.
Researchers analyzed immune cell transcriptomes to understand JIA's pathogenesis. Monocytes, monocyte-derived dendritic cells, and platelets are increased in JIA patients, while B-cell responses differ between sJIA and non-sJIA subtypes.
A new protocol has been developed to establish a safer standard for medication use during breastfeeding. The study focuses on the concentration of prednisolone and metformin in breast milk and infant plasma, addressing a significant knowledge gap in human lactation studies.
Researchers at La Jolla Institute for Immunology discovered that CD4+ T cells target Chikungunya virus, leading to chronic inflammation and joint pain. The study suggests that these monofunctional T cells may be the culprits behind arthritis-like symptoms in CHIKV patients.
Researchers have shown that good gut bacteria can manipulate the immune system's response, leading to rheumatoid arthritis. The study found that T cells in the gut can transform into super-powerful and potent cells that attack the body's tissues.
Preet Chaudhary and Michael Selsted, USC innovators, recognized by the National Academy of Inventors for their work on harnessing the power of the immune system. Their research aims to develop new treatments for diseases such as cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, and sepsis.
Fan Zhang's lab uses computational machine learning to analyze large-scale clinical and preclinical single-cell datasets, identifying new markers for prediction. Her team aims to pinpoint changes in the immune system associated with progression from preclinical RA arthritis to symptoms.
New guidelines support safe and efficient use of JAK inhibitors for treating chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and Crohn's disease. The updated consensus statement considers safety concerns, including cardiovascular disease and cancer risk, to ensure individualized treatment decisions.
A study found that misdiagnoses of autoimmune diseases like lupus and vasculitis can lead to increased depression, anxiety, and lower mental wellbeing in patients. Clinicians are calling for greater awareness and support for patients affected by these misdiagnoses.
A recent study by York University researchers has identified a genetic mutation that can shut down an overactive immune response, dramatically reducing inflammation in mice. This discovery may pave the way for a new class of drugs to treat rheumatoid arthritis and other inflammatory diseases.
A study investigates the efficacy of EFC as a potential treatment for RA, showing anti-inflammatory effects on fibroblast-like synoviocytes and alleviating disease severity in animal models. The findings highlight the therapeutic potential of PDIs in RA management.
Research finds ELK3 inhibits ferroptosis and proliferation of rheumatoid arthritis fibroblast-like synoviocytes, affecting their biological activity. ELK3's molecular mechanism involves regulating kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1.
A recent study published in Helion found that individuals who experienced childhood abuse, neglect, or domestic abuse were at a significantly higher risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis and psoriasis. The study used a database of over 16 million Electronic Health Records to analyze the incidence rates of these diseases over a 26-yea...
A new AI model developed by researchers at Penn State College of Medicine can predict the progression of autoimmune disease among those with preclinical symptoms up to 1,000% more accurately. The GPS model integrates data from large genetic studies and electronic health records to identify individuals at high risk of disease progression.
Researchers will analyze tissue samples from 100 patients over three years to understand why some respond better than others to biologic and targeted therapies. The study aims to improve matching of treatments to individual patients, reducing the guesswork and cost associated with ineffective treatment.
A new study from the University of Leeds found that eating oily fish, fruits, cereals, and drinking moderate amounts of beer can lower the risk of rheumatoid arthritis. The research suggests that a tailored diet approach may be more effective for people with autoimmune diseases.