Invasion and Tissue Destructive Phase
In this third phase of the immune response, investigation into processes that cause tissue damage is directed at developing treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. Focusing on alleviating symptoms and stopping the damage from progressing.
Chuanju Liu, PhD at New York University has identified an important growth factor that promotes tissue healing and also blocks TNF activity.
Result: This factor holds great promise for further development as a new candidate for clinical testing. It would be very beneficial in that it could both halt disease and promote healing.
Sougata Karmakar, PhD at University of Massachusetts, Worchester, has identified cytokine(s) that appear to control the cells that form and destroy bone.
Result: These cytokines could be very useful in blocking and repairing bone destruction in RA.
Xueding Wang, PhD, of University of Michigan is developing new, cutting-edge imaging techniques utilizing tomography and lasers to provide images of soft tissues in joints in RA.
Result: The new imaging technique has proven effective for early detection of RA for earlier treatment, as well as monitoring the delivery of drugs used to treat the disease.