Examining the role of Natural Killer T cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic disease affecting more than 4.6 million Canadians. This disease is characterized by progressive damage to the joint, resulting in reduced mobility and debilitating pain. According to the arthritis society of Canada, the impact of arthritis on the Canadian economy in health-care costs and lost productivity is estimated to be more than $33 billion each year, and without innovative solutions, this number is expected to double by 2030. Developing safe and effective therapies to prevent or treat arthritis in the early stages may provide much needed relief to Canadians suffering from this debilitating disease. The proposed research aims to elucidate the role of specific white blood cells, called Natural Killer T cells, in inflamed joints resulting from Rheumatoid arthritis. We are interested in how these particular cells travel to inflamed joints, and once they are there, what types of immune modulating factors they produce. We also hope to identify new receptors and mediators of inflammation which may present new drug targets. Increasing our knowledge on the underlying biology of rheumatoid arthritis is paramount to the discovery and development of novel treatments.