Immune cells that may curb harmful antibody production in arthritis
T peripheral regulatory cells as modulators of T cell-B cell interactions in arthritis
This project looks at whether a type of immune cell called T peripheral regulatory (Tpr) cells can limit antibody-producing interactions that drive inflammation in adults and children with inflammatory arthritis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11247051 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will collect blood, joint fluid, and tonsil tissue from children and adults with inflammatory arthritis to study immune cells found in inflamed joints. In the lab they will identify and profile a newly observed T peripheral regulatory (Tpr) cell type and test how these cells influence T peripheral helper (Tph) cells and B cells in cell-culture experiments. The team will compare samples from ANA-positive, early-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis and adult inflammatory arthritis to see when Tpr cells are present and how they function. The goal is to reveal pathways that could be targeted to reduce autoantibody-driven joint inflammation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal participants are adults and children with inflammatory arthritis—especially those with juvenile idiopathic arthritis or early-onset, ANA-positive disease—who can provide blood or joint fluid samples.
Not a fit: People without inflammatory arthritis or those seeking an immediate new treatment are unlikely to receive direct benefit from this lab-focused research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new ways to prevent harmful autoantibody production and reduce joint inflammation in some forms of arthritis.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has linked Tph cells to autoantibody production and early lab data show Tpr cells can block Tph-B cell interactions, but translating these findings into treatments remains unproven.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Henderson, Lauren a — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Henderson, Lauren a
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.