Understanding how mucosal breaks contribute to rheumatoid arthritis

Investigating Mucosal Breaks in the Initiation and Progression of Rheumatoid Arthritis

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-11083123

This study is looking at how the health of your mouth might affect the start and worsening of rheumatoid arthritis, and it's for people with RA who want to help researchers understand how things like smoking and gum disease could influence their condition.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-11083123 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates the role of oral mucosal health in the onset and progression of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), a condition that affects a significant portion of the population. By utilizing a novel method of collecting blood samples from patients at home, researchers aim to analyze immune responses over time, particularly focusing on the presence of specific bacteria and antibodies linked to RA. The study seeks to uncover how environmental factors, such as smoking and periodontal disease, may trigger immune responses that lead to RA flares. Through advanced RNA sequencing, the research aims to provide insights into the mechanisms behind RA, potentially leading to new therapeutic strategies.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, particularly those with a history of periodontal disease or smoking.

Not a fit: Patients without rheumatoid arthritis or those who do not have any history of environmental risk factors related to the disease may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding and management of rheumatoid arthritis, potentially reducing disease flares and improving patient quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results in understanding the immune responses related to rheumatoid arthritis, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.