Using microparticles to improve immunotherapy for rheumatoid arthritis
Official title: Particulate-based in vivo modulation for immunotherapy of Rheumatoid Arthritis
Funded at University of Florida · NIH-10676258 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with rheumatoid arthritis by using tiny particles to change how the immune system works, aiming to reduce inflammation and protect joints from damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project start | July 24, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $330,872 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI139399-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10676258 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis who are experiencing significant symptoms and joint impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are not responsive to immunotherapy or those with other autoimmune conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new treatment approach for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) by using biomaterial-based microparticles to modulate the immune response. The goal is to deliver specific factors and autoantigens directly to dendritic cells, which play a crucial role in the disease's progression. By targeting these immune cells, the researchers aim to reduce inflammation and joint damage associated with RA. This innovative method seeks to address the underlying causes of the disease rather than just its symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted therapies for patients with rheumatoid arthritis, potentially improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been various approaches to immunotherapy for autoimmune diseases, this specific method using microparticles for dendritic cell modulation is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Florida
Gainesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lewis, Jamal S — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Lewis, Jamal S
Related research
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-
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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.