Understanding how certain cells interact in rheumatoid arthritis
Official title: Synoviocyte endothelial cell cross talk in rheumatoid arthritis
Funded at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center · NIH-11120191 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain cells in the joints of people with rheumatoid arthritis interact with blood vessel cells, hoping to find new ways to reduce inflammation and joint damage without using strong immune-suppressing treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cedars-Sinai Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, United States) |
| Project start | June 20, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $459,250 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AI190985-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11120191 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 ongoing symptoms despite current treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are in remission or those with other types of arthritis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the interactions between synoviocyte and endothelial cells in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). By utilizing genomic approaches, the study aims to uncover the mechanisms behind the migration of specific cells from the synovium into the bloodstream and how this affects inflammation and joint damage. The researchers have developed an in vitro system to analyze these cell interactions and have identified a gene that may control this process. This could lead to more targeted therapies that are less immunosuppressive for RA patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of more effective and tailored treatments for rheumatoid arthritis that minimize immunosuppression.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in understanding cell interactions in rheumatoid arthritis, but this specific approach focusing on synoviocyte and endothelial cell interactions is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bottini, Nunzio — Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Bottini, Nunzio
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Gut microbes and methotrexate: boosting RA treatment through microbiome targets
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-
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.