Understanding how fibroblasts help reduce inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis
Official title: Fibroblast-mediated inflammatory resolution of rheumatoid arthritis
Funded at Harvard Medical School · NIH-10991677 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how special cells called fibroblasts can help reduce inflammation in people with rheumatoid arthritis, with the hope of finding new ways to help patients feel better and heal more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Harvard Medical School NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $53,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F30AI174699-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991677 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis who experience ongoing inflammation and have not achieved remission with current therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are already in remission or those with other autoimmune conditions unrelated to RA may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the role of fibroblasts, a type of cell found in connective tissue, in resolving inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The study focuses on how these cells can help restore balance in the joints affected by RA, which is crucial since many patients do not achieve remission despite existing treatments. By using advanced techniques like single-cell RNA sequencing, researchers aim to uncover the mechanisms by which fibroblasts contribute to inflammation resolution. This could lead to new therapeutic strategies that enhance the body's ability to heal and reduce symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments that help patients with rheumatoid arthritis achieve better control of their symptoms and potentially reach remission.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding the role of fibroblasts in inflammation, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights and potential breakthroughs in treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Harvard Medical School
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zou, Angela Elizabeth — Harvard Medical School
- Study coordinator: Zou, Angela Elizabeth
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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.