How nerves and immune cells cause joint pain in rheumatoid arthritis
Elucidating the neuroimmune mechanisms underlying pain and inflammation in autoimmune arthritis
Researchers will map how sensory nerves and immune cells in joints interact in people with rheumatoid arthritis to point toward new ways to reduce pain and inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11363978 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will map, at single-cell resolution, the receptor‑ligand interactions between sensory neurons and immune cells in healthy and inflamed joints. The team will identify which types of sensory neurons respond to immune signals and drive pain, using detailed molecular profiling and functional testing. Over five years the work combines high-resolution tissue analysis with experimental follow-ups to reveal neuroimmune pathways linked to arthritis pain and swelling.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with rheumatoid arthritis who have active joint inflammation and ongoing pain, and who can donate joint tissue or attend clinic visits, would be the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: People without autoimmune arthritis or whose pain comes from non-inflammatory causes are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal new targets for non-opioid treatments that reduce joint pain and inflammatory flares in rheumatoid arthritis.
How similar studies have performed: Prior animal and some early human studies show nerve–immune interactions influence arthritis pain, but using single-cell mapping to link specific neurons to pain is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jain, Aakanksha — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Jain, Aakanksha
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.