Granzyme K+ CD8 T cells in rheumatoid arthritis joints
Official title: Architecture and interactions of Granzyme K+ CD8 T cells in inflamed synovium in rheumatoid arthritis
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11389141 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study exploring how a special type of immune cell behaves in the inflamed joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis and how it may drive inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 31, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $100,138 |
| NIH project number | 5K08AR081412-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11389141 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with rheumatoid arthritis whose joint tissue is accessible for study and who are eligible for biopsy or participate through donor tissues.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not matching the study’s tissue-access or inclusion criteria may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at how CD8 T cells with high granzyme K interact with fibroblasts in RA-affected synovial tissue. Researchers will examine how granzyme K affects fibroblast activity and inflammatory signals, including potential involvement of the complement system. They will use imaging mass cytometry, immunofluorescence, spatial transcriptomics, and mouse models to study these cellular interactions in human tissue and animals. The goal is to understand mechanisms that fuel joint inflammation and identify new targets to reduce damage and pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could point to new ways to limit joint inflammation and damage in RA.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests granzyme K–driven interactions may influence inflammation; this study builds on that by linking cellular behavior to tissue-level effects in RA.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jonsson, Anna Helena — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Jonsson, Anna Helena
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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.