Understanding how the immune system and nerves interact in autoimmune arthritis pain
Official title: Elucidating the neuroimmune mechanisms underlying pain and inflammation in autoimmune arthritis (Admin Supplement)
Funded at Boston Children's Hospital · NIH-11224614 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how nerve cells and immune cells work together in rheumatoid arthritis, a condition that causes joint pain and swelling, to find new ways to help manage that pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $75,600 |
| NIH project number | 3K99AR083482-01S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11224614 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis who experience chronic pain and inflammation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-autoimmune forms of arthritis or those without significant pain symptoms may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the complex interactions between sensory neurons and immune cells in the context of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune condition that causes severe joint pain and inflammation. By mapping these interactions at a single-cell level in both healthy and inflamed joints, the study aims to identify specific pathways that contribute to pain and inflammation in RA. The approach includes analyzing how immune signals affect sensory neurons and vice versa, which could lead to new treatment strategies for managing arthritis pain.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of safer and more effective treatments for managing pain in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in understanding neuroimmune interactions in other inflammatory conditions, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach for rheumatoid arthritis.
Where this research is happening
-
Boston Children's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jain, Aakanksha — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Jain, Aakanksha
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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.