Identifying effective treatments for rheumatoid arthritis using synovial macrophage analysis

Synovial Macrophage Transcriptional Signatures for Predicting Therapeutic Efficacy

NIH-funded research Northwestern University at Chicago · NIH-10679089

This study is looking at how examining certain immune cells from joint tissue can help doctors choose the best treatments for people with rheumatoid arthritis, so they can get better results and avoid therapies that don’t work for them.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNorthwestern University at Chicago NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chicago, United States)
Project IDNIH-10679089 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how analyzing macrophages from synovial tissue can help predict which treatments will be most effective for individual patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). By performing ultrasound-guided biopsies, researchers will collect synovial tissue samples and use advanced techniques like RNA sequencing to identify specific biomarkers. This approach aims to improve treatment selection and minimize ineffective therapies, ultimately leading to better patient outcomes. The study involves collaboration among six leading medical centers to ensure comprehensive patient recruitment and data analysis.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis who are seeking treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are not undergoing treatment or those with other forms of arthritis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more personalized and effective treatment options for patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using tissue biopsies to guide treatment decisions in oncology, suggesting that this approach may also be effective in rheumatology.

Where this research is happening

Chicago, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.