Killer T cells' role in rheumatoid arthritis
The role of cytotoxic T cells in rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis
This project looks at whether certain immune 'killer' T cells cause the joint-targeting immune response seen in some people with rheumatoid arthritis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11170610 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers will study blood and tissue samples from people with rheumatoid arthritis and from patients who have T-cell large granular lymphocyte leukemia with arthritis to compare immune features. They will examine CD8+ cytotoxic T cells, how these cells kill neutrophils, and whether that process creates citrullinated proteins and immunogenic PAD4 that trigger autoantibodies. The team will also look at genetic changes like STAT3 mutations that may drive the clonal expansion of these T cells. Lab tests and patient sample analyses will be used together to connect these immune events to joint inflammation.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with rheumatoid arthritis—especially those who test positive for anti-PAD4 antibodies or who have the rare T-LGLL/RA overlap—are the most relevant candidates.
Not a fit: Patients whose RA is driven by other immune pathways without cytotoxic T-cell involvement or anti-PAD4 antibodies may be unlikely to benefit directly from this specific line of work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets to prevent or treat the subset of RA driven by cytotoxic T cells and anti-PAD4 autoantibodies.
How similar studies have performed: Previous and preliminary human studies support a role for cytotoxic T cells in generating citrullinated autoantigens in subsets of RA, but translating that insight into treatments is still largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Baltimore, United States
- Johns Hopkins University — Baltimore, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Andrade, Felipe — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Andrade, Felipe
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.