Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)
&w=826&h=464 "Graphical depiction of the development of the auto-immune response underlying RA in relation to development of disease in time. The research of our department approaches the different phases of disease from a clinical, translational and basic point of view in order to improve the life of people with RA. We hope to achieve this by focussing on the understanding of the clinical and fundamental basis of disease and by implementation of better and more personalized treatments.")
Although treatment of RA has improved considerably in the last decade, the disease still causes considerable disability. Likewise, people with RA often need to take inflammation-suppressive treatments as the disease cannot be cured. To further improve treatment and life of people with RA, we have embarked on several research lines focussing on the early recognition & prevention of RA, clinical strategy studies & novel treatments as well as basic & translational studies aiming to understand the origin of disease.
Basic and translational studies into Rheumatoid Arthritis
Break of immunological tolerance is at the basis of the development of autoimmunity and consequently autoimmune diseases. As the presence of disease-specific auto-antibody responses and the efficacy of B cell targeting therapies indicate a pivotal role for B cells in disease pathogenesis in several rheumatic diseases the overall focus of the research performed in the laboratory of experimental rheumatology is given to the role of autoreactive B cells in 4 rheumatic diseases: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic Scleroderma and ANCA vasculitis. To improve care and treatments for people with these rheumatic diseases it is crucial to understand the processes underlying disease pathogenesis. The aim of the research performed in the context of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is to understand how the RA-specific autoreactive B cells response is triggered and how immunological checkpoints normally keeping these unwanted and detrimental responses at check are overrun. We not only aim to understand the arousal of these response, we also intent to delineate how autoimmunity transitions to autoimmune disease and which factors drives this transition. Likewise, we thrive to implement the knowledge acquired on the induction and evolution of human auto-reactive B cell responses into the design of preventive strategies and/or interventions aiming to restore normal immune-homeostasis against autoantigens and, ultimately, cure of B cell mediated auto-immune diseases. These questions are part of three complementary research lines focussing on:
…Break of immunological tolerance is at the basis of the development of autoimmunity and consequently autoimmune diseases. As the presence of disease-specific auto-antibody responses and the efficacy of B cell targeting therapies indicate a pivotal role for B cells in disease pathogenesis in several rheumatic diseases the overall focus of the research performed in the laboratory of experimental rheumatology is given to the role of autoreactive B cells in 4 rheumatic diseases: Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus, Systemic Scleroderma and ANCA vasculitis. To improve care and treatments for people with these rheumatic diseases it is crucial to understand the processes underlying disease pathogenesis. The aim of the research performed in the context of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is to understand how the RA-specific autoreactive B cells response is triggered and how immunological checkpoints normally keeping these unwanted and detrimental responses at check are overrun. We not only aim to understand the arousal of these response, we also intent to delineate how autoimmunity transitions to autoimmune disease and which factors drives this transition. Likewise, we thrive to implement the knowledge acquired on the induction and evolution of human auto-reactive B cell responses into the design of preventive strategies and/or interventions aiming to restore normal immune-homeostasis against autoantigens and, ultimately, cure of B cell mediated auto-immune diseases. These questions are part of three complementary research lines focussing on:
- Induction and chronicity of autoimmunity
- Modulation of autoimmunity
- Environment and autoimmunity
Science is rapidly evolving into highly specialized domains where we consider cross-border thinking, collaborations across disciplines and team performance essential. Therefore, clinical and basic scientists are working closely together as teams in these different research lines. By combining areas of expertise, the research takes place in a truly translational research environment as it is our conviction team science will be the most rewarding way forward to improve and speed up translational medicine, increase value in biomedical research while creating societal impact. Each research line is headed by a senior scientist with input and support from a revolving team of clinical and basic scientists/immunologist depending on the needs and challenges of a specific project.
Clinical research
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common and chronic inflammatory disease that causes joint pain and limitations in daily functioning and work. Currently, severe joint damage is preventable with timely, vigorous treatment. Despite this, RA remains a disease that affects people for life. The clinical research of our department aims to reduce the chronic disease burden of people with RA and ideally to prevent the chronic disease RA
Currently, the diagnosis of RA can be made if joint swelling (arthritis, joint inflammation) can be recognized with the aid of a physical examination. At the time of diagnosis, the disease has already become chronic and often requires lifelong treatment. The disease phases that precede the diagnosis are therefore the starting point for preventing chronicity. The idea is that biological processes have not yet fully matured and are reversible. We investigate the phases that precede arthritis/RA in depth in order to find crucial mechanisms that can then be targeted for the development of (preventive) treatment.
…Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common and chronic inflammatory disease that causes joint pain and limitations in daily functioning and work. Currently, severe joint damage is preventable with timely, vigorous treatment. Despite this, RA remains a disease that affects people for life. The clinical research of our department aims to reduce the chronic disease burden of people with RA and ideally to prevent the chronic disease RA
Currently, the diagnosis of RA can be made if joint swelling (arthritis, joint inflammation) can be recognized with the aid of a physical examination. At the time of diagnosis, the disease has already become chronic and often requires lifelong treatment. The disease phases that precede the diagnosis are therefore the starting point for preventing chronicity. The idea is that biological processes have not yet fully matured and are reversible. We investigate the phases that precede arthritis/RA in depth in order to find crucial mechanisms that can then be targeted for the development of (preventive) treatment.
In addition, laboratory and imaging research aims to accurately predict which people with recent joint pain complaints will develop RA. Likewise, a proof-of-concept intervention study investigating whether chronic arthritis and RA can be prevented with very early treatment with methotrexate is part of our focus as are innovative strategy studies aiming to optimize and personalize treatment of people with established RA/arthritis.