Arthritis pain may soon be a thing of the past
What's the story
A groundbreaking clinical trial is underway in the UK, which could revolutionize treatment for rheumatoid arthritis.
The AuToDeCRA-2 study seeks to train white blood cells, the "generals" of the immune system, to instruct other "soldier" cells. Their job would be to stop attacks on healthy tissues.
Professor John Isaacs, a veteran in the field with 35 years of experience, leads this research and believes it could ultimately enable us to "switch off" rheumatoid arthritis.
Trial details
Unique approach to immune system training
The AuToDeCRA-2 study is one of a kind, with only a handful of other research groups around the world working on something similar.
The trial is now in its second phase, where certain cells are isolated from the blood of patients.
Professor Isaacs explained that different types of cells come together like an army of soldiers to fight infections or diseases. They take orders from dendritic cells, aka the "generals" of the immune system.
Immune training
The process of re-educating immune cells
In the lab, a patient's white blood cells are cultivated and trained to behave like these "calm" generals.
Once reintroduced into the patient's body, these trained cells instruct their immune system to stop attacking joints.
Isaacs said that in time, this treatment could provide significant benefits by "switching off" rheumatoid arthritis.
The trial is being conducted at Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals with funding from Versus Arthritis charity and the European Commission.
Patient feedback
Patient experience and potential impact
Among the 450,000 people in England living with rheumatoid arthritis is Carol Robson, a 70-year-old former nurse. She has been a part of this trial and spoke about her experience.
"If this trial works to switch off rheumatoid arthritis that would be wonderful," Robson said, hoping the treatment works.
Isaacs also said that if successful, this research could have implications for other autoimmune diseases like diabetes or multiple sclerosis.