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Immune Complexes Drive Pre-Inflammatory Pain in Collagen Antibody-Induced Arthritis Model
Pain-like behavior has been observed before the onset of inflammation in the Collagen Antibody-Induced Arthritis model. This new pain mechanism does not utilize traditional inflammatory pain pathways. Instead, the pain-like behavior seems to be induced by direct neuron activation by type II collagen-autoantibody immune complexes. More research is needed to determine how this finding translates to human disease, but it could provide a avenue of treatments for chronic pain in autoimmune disease patients. Read More
Spontaneous Arthritis Development in LPS-Induced Periodontitis Model
For the first time, it has been reported that a LPS-induced periodontitis model led to the spontaneous development of arthritis in CD-1 mice. These findings further strengthen the link between periodontal disease and rheumatoid arthritis, while highlighting the potential role of the gastrointestinal microbiome in perpetuating inflammatory responses. Moving forward, it will be vital to consider the immune interactions between the host and the microbiome when researching systemic inflammatory diseases so we may gain a better understanding of seemingly idiopathic autoimmune diseases. Read More
Anti-Bacteria Antibody ELISAs as Analytical Tool in Autoimmune Disease Research
A recent paper sought to evaluate the usefulness of several bacteriological and serological analytical methods in evaluating the triggering bacteria of spondyloarthritis. Serological evaluation by assaying for antibodies against specific bacteria provides a glimpse of a patient's previous exposure to potential pathogenic bacteria, while also providing information on the patients immune response to that bacteria. Anti-Bacteria Antibody Assays kits are therefore a very useful tool for researchers and clinicians alike to study the complex mechanisms underlying spondyloarthritis and other autoimmune diseases. Read More
Optical Molecular Imaging Inflammation in Mouse CAIA Model
There is currently a need for a cost-effective imaging technique to aid in the early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis, a crucial factor in improving patient outcomes. Optical molecular imaging (OMI) is currently used to image tumors for diagnostic and surgical applications, but can be adapted for imaging cellular and sub-cellular processes that are a part of other diseases. This article reviews how researchers at the University of Michigan used OMI to image inflammation in the mouse CAIA model, with promising implications for clinical usage. Read More
Krüppel-Like Factor 4: New Target for Rheumatoid Arthritis Treatment
Kruppel-Like Factor 4 (KLF4) has been identified as a potential therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients whose symptoms cannot be managed with current treatments. This blog highlights how the modulatory role of KLF4 in RA was determined using well-characterized disease models: Collage-Induced Arthritis and Collagen Antibody-Induced Arthritis. Read More
Intestinal Bacteria Modulate Inflammatory Arthritis
Review of paper published by W.K. Jubair et al. which analyzes how intestinal microbiota changes during the development Collagen-Induced Arthritis in mice. The study continues by using broad-spectrum antibiotics to observe the time-dependent effects that microbiota exert on autoimmunity. Read More
Different Bacterial Pathogens May Affect Serological Disease Markers in RRP and non-RRP Rheumatoid Arthritis
Summary of Terato et al. (2018) which studied correlations between antibody responses to common bacterial pathogens (E. coli LPS, P. gingivalis LPS, and peptioglycan-polysaccharide) and rheumatoid arthritis disease markers. The results suggest that different bacterial pathogens may be involved in evoking serological disease markers in RRP and non-RRP rheumatoid arthritis, and may contribute to the different disease outcomes in these patient groups. This paper lays the groundwork for studying rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune diseases as perturbations of gastrointestinal bacterial populations rather than a malfunctioning immune response. Read More
Bifidobacterium infantis reduces inflammation in mouse models of asthma and food allergies
A study conducted at Shenzhen Children's Hospital demonstrates how oral feeding of B. infantis can reduce signs of inflammation in ovalbumin-induced asthma and β-lactoglobulin-induced food allergy in mice. This study adds to a growing body of research suggesting that manipulation of gut microbiota is a viable treatment for allergies and autoimmune diseases. Read More
Influence of Diet and Probiotic Bacteria on Intestinal Barrier Function
The permeability of the intestinal epithelial barrier plays a significant role in an individual's systemic exposure to LPS and other bacterial toxins. The complex relationship between diet and intestinal permeability is not entirely clear, however the article reviewed here presents evidence that a probiotic bacteria, L. gasseri SBT2055, may be able to improve intestinal permeability. This research can lead to new strategies for treating metabolic disorders like obesity. Read More
Review: Therapeutic Effect of L. helveticus (SBT2171) on Collagen-Induced Arthritis
Review of Yamashita et al. (2017) that highlights the therapeutic effect of L. helveticus (SBT2171) on collagen-induced arthritis in mice. Read More
The Hygiene Hypothesis, the Naïve Immune System and House Dust Mites
A look at the implications of the hygiene hypothesis in the development of treatments for allergic hypersensitivity to common aeroallergens. Read More
Gut Microbiome Composition Influences Collagen-Induced Arthritis Susceptibility in DBA1 Mice
A review of an article by Liu et al. (doi: 10.1038/srep30594) that investigates the relationship between gut microbiome composition and susceptibility to collagen-induced arthritis in DBA1 mice. Read More
Microbiome LPS Heterogeneity Contributes to Autoimmunity
A look at how LPS heterogeneity in the intestinal lumen contributes to the development of type 1 diabetes and autoimmune pathways. Read More
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