An overactive joint-lining cell type that fuels rheumatoid arthritis
Expanded fibroblast subset drives pathology in rheumatoid arthritis
The team is testing whether blocking a specific signaling pathway in overactive joint fibroblasts can reduce inflammation and joint damage in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11182617 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers found a large increase of a specific fibroblast type (CD90+ HLA-DR+ cells) in the lining of joints from people with rheumatoid arthritis compared with osteoarthritis. They are studying patient synovial tissue using single-cell gene analysis and spatial mapping to see how these cells form a gradient from blood vessels into the joint. Lab models will be used to probe whether Notch3 signaling drives these inflammatory fibroblasts and what happens when that pathway is blocked. The work links patient tissue data to experiments that could point toward treatments that stop these cells from keeping inflammation going.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with rheumatoid arthritis, especially those with active joint inflammation and who can provide or undergo synovial tissue sampling, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People with osteoarthritis or those whose RA does not involve this expanded fibroblast population are unlikely to benefit directly from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new therapies that reduce joint inflammation and slow damage by targeting disease-driving fibroblasts in rheumatoid arthritis.
How similar studies have performed: There are promising laboratory and single-cell studies implicating fibroblasts and Notch signaling in inflammation, but clinical therapies directly targeting these fibroblasts remain novel.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Brigham and Women's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Brenner, Michael B. — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Brenner, Michael B.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.