Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common debilitating autoimmune disease, which symptoms include joint pain and fatigue. Despite intensive research, RA is incurable, and its etiology is only partially understood. Novel biological drugs have improved the treatment outcome, although the disease cannot be efficiently managed in all patients. In Heal-Art, we study the disease mechanisms underlying RA. Based on our results we aim to develop novel more effective and better tolerated treatments. We focus on the so called JAK-STAT pathway, which is the key mediator of inflammation. In our projects, we utilize patient samples, cell lines and mouse models of RA. We collect clinical information together with laboratory data of RA patients and in collaboration with rheumatologists we have developed a mathematical model to predict drug-induced side-effects. Our results will enable more individualized diagnostics and treatment of RA in the future, and thus benefit both the patients and the society.

2021

2023