Understanding severe inflammatory arthritis from silica exposure
A novel model of severe inflammatory arthritis induced by pulmonary silica exposure
This research explores how breathing in silica dust might lead to severe inflammatory arthritis, like rheumatoid arthritis, by studying it in a new way.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Scripps Research Institute, the NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11170433 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
We know that people who work with silica dust can develop serious autoimmune diseases, including different types of arthritis. Currently, there isn't a good way to study how silica exposure specifically causes inflammatory arthritis in a lab setting. This project uses a special type of mouse that naturally develops autoimmune issues to see if silica exposure can trigger arthritis in their joints. By observing how their bodies react, we hope to learn more about the early stages of arthritis development linked to environmental factors.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not directly recruiting patients but focuses on understanding the disease mechanisms relevant to individuals with inflammatory arthritis, especially those with a history of silica exposure.
Not a fit: Patients seeking immediate treatment options or direct clinical intervention would not directly benefit from this basic science project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could help us better understand how environmental exposures contribute to inflammatory arthritis, potentially leading to new ways to prevent or treat these conditions.
How similar studies have performed: While other animal models exist for silica-induced autoimmunity, this specific approach to creating an inflammatory arthritis model is novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
La Jolla, United States
- Scripps Research Institute, the — La Jolla, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pollard, Kenneth Michael — Scripps Research Institute, the
- Study coordinator: Pollard, Kenneth Michael
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.