(January 28, 2010 - Insidermedicine)

A new therapy that targets malfunctioning immune cells may prove to be a more effective and less toxic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis, according to research published in Arthritis & Rheumatism.

Here is some information about rheumatoid arthritis:

•    It is an autoimmune condition, meaning it is caused by a malfunction in the immune system

•    In those with the condition immune cells known as macrophages fail to self-destruct after killing off potential dangers to the body, such as viruses and bacteria.

•    These “rogue” macrophages find their way into the joints, where they cause pain and inflammation and damage bone and cartilage.

Researchers from Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago discovered that the malfunctioning macrophages present in individuals with rheumatoid arthritis are low in a molecule called Bim, which is important for the cells’ normal process of self-destruction. To correct this shortage, they developed an imitation of the Bim molecule, called a BH3 mimetic.

After injecting the BH3 mimetic into mice, the molecule floated into the animals’ macrophages, resulting in normal self-destruction of these cells. Injecting the BH3 mimetic into mice with rheumatoid arthritis resulted in a lessening of both the swelling in their joints and the destruction in their bones, suggesting the drug could both prevent and treat damage from rheumatoid arthritis. Unlike other treatments for rheumatoid arthritis, no toxic reactions were observed.

We spoke with Dr. Harris Perlman, PhD, the lead author of this study, who offered some further insight.

Today’s research suggests that new, more effective and less toxic treatment for rheumatoid arthritis may be on the horizon.