Investigating how indole affects immune responses in rheumatoid arthritis
Official title: The role of indole-induced immune dysregulation in collagen-inducedarthritis
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10986141 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a substance made by bacteria in our bodies, called indole, might help us understand and prevent rheumatoid arthritis in its early stages by seeing how it affects immune cells and inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $37,802 |
| NIH project number | 5F30AI174817-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10986141 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals at risk of developing rheumatoid arthritis, particularly those with early signs of autoimmunity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who already have established rheumatoid arthritis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the early stages of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by exploring how a bacterial metabolite called indole influences immune system behavior. The study uses a model of collagen-induced arthritis to examine how indole affects the differentiation of specific immune cells and the production of inflammatory signals. By identifying these mechanisms, the research aims to develop new strategies to prevent the onset of RA before it becomes clinically apparent.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new preventive therapies for rheumatoid arthritis, potentially stopping the disease before it starts.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results in understanding the role of microbiome-derived metabolites in autoimmune diseases, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seymour, Brenda J — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Seymour, Brenda J
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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.