Investigating the role of specific immune cells in rheumatoid arthritis
Official title: Architecture and interactions of Granzyme K+ CD8 T cells in inflamed synovium in rheumatoid arthritis
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-10993153 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain immune cells called CD8 T cells interact with other cells in the inflamed joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis, focusing on a special protein they produce that might affect inflammation and tissue damage, with the hope of finding new ways to help manage the condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 31, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $167,875 |
| NIH project number | 5K08AR081412-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993153 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis who are experiencing active inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are in remission or those with other autoimmune diseases unrelated to the mechanisms being studied may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding how CD8 T cells interact with fibroblasts in the inflamed synovial tissue of patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study aims to explore the unique characteristics of these T cells, particularly their high expression of granzyme K, which may influence inflammation and tissue damage. By using advanced imaging techniques and mouse models, the research will assess how granzyme K affects fibroblast behavior and contributes to the inflammatory environment in RA. Patients may benefit from insights that could lead to new therapeutic strategies targeting these immune interactions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel treatments that better manage inflammation and tissue damage in rheumatoid arthritis.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific focus on granzyme K in this context is novel, similar studies have shown promise in understanding immune cell interactions in autoimmune diseases.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jonsson, Anna Helena — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Jonsson, Anna Helena
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Gut microbes and methotrexate: boosting RA treatment through microbiome targets
Researchers are studying how gut bacteria affect how well methotrexate works for people with rheumatoid arthritis, aiming to make MTX effective for more patients.
-
Hybrid biomaterial system to boost immunotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis
A new, patient-facing immunotherapy approach uses specialized particles to retrain the immune system to calm RA in adults.
-
Role of Stabilin receptors in rheumatoid arthritis
A short study to understand how certain scavenger receptors may influence the development and progression of rheumatoid arthritis in adults.
-
IgG glycosylation and endothelial FcγRIIB: understanding RA-related heart and blood vessel disease
This project looks at how rheumatoid arthritis affects blood vessels and clotting, with the goal of uncovering new ways to prevent heart and stroke risk for people with RA.
-
Risk factors and biomarkers for progression of subclinical RA-related lung disease
This study follows people with rheumatoid arthritis to understand who develops lung disease and what biomarkers predict it.
-
Pregnancy changes in rheumatoid arthritis and new treatment ideas
This research seeks to understand why some women’s rheumatoid arthritis improves during pregnancy and how to predict and mimic that effect to make treatments safer and more effective for pregnant patients.
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.