Identifying harmful T cells in a type of arthritis that affects the spine and eyes
Official title: Identification of Pathogenic T cells in Axial Spondyloarthritis
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10878955 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells, called CD8 T cells, behave in people with axial spondyloarthritis, especially when it causes eye inflammation, to help us understand the condition better and find new ways to treat it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | July 7, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $154,776 |
| NIH project number | 5K08AR079593-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10878955 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with axial spondyloarthritis, particularly those experiencing ocular symptoms like anterior uveitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without axial spondyloarthritis or those whose symptoms are not related to ocular inflammation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of specific immune cells, particularly CD8 T cells, in axial spondyloarthritis, a condition that can cause inflammation in both the joints and the eyes. By examining the differences between immune cells in the eye and those in the blood, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind ocular inflammation associated with this disease. The research utilizes advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing to analyze these immune cells in detail. The goal is to enhance our understanding of how this condition affects patients and to identify potential targets for treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from axial spondyloarthritis and its associated eye complications.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding immune mechanisms in related conditions, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Paley, Michael Alexander — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Paley, Michael Alexander
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding early triggers of axial spondyloarthritis in people at risk
This grant aims to understand the early immune changes that lead to axial spondyloarthritis in people who carry a genetic risk, with new peptide tools to distinguish harmful from protective T cells.
-
Pathogenic T cells in axial spondyloarthritis and eye inflammation
Researchers are studying eye-specific and shared immune mechanisms in axial spondyloarthritis to understand how T cells contribute to eye inflammation and related joint disease, with findings that could guide future treatments.
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Identifying harmful immune cells in axial spondyloarthritis
This study is looking at how certain immune cells affect eye inflammation in people with axial spondyloarthritis, which could help us understand how this condition impacts both the eyes and joints.
-
Identifying predictors of flare in children with spondyloarthritis
This study is looking at how specific blood tests and MRI results can help predict flare-ups in kids with spondyloarthritis, so families can make better choices about their child's treatment and safely reduce the use of strong medications that might have side effects.
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Improving care for children with juvenile spondyloarthritis
This study is all about helping doctors who specialize in children's joint diseases, like juvenile spondyloarthritis, by training them better so they can do research that leads to improved care for kids with these conditions.
-
Fecal microbiota transplantation for treating axial spondyloarthritis
This study is testing if a treatment using gut bacteria from healthy donors can help people with axial spondyloarthritis who aren't feeling better with their current medications.
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.