Nanoparticles can support the prevention and relief of rheumatoid arthritis flare-ups

New research published in Nature Communications shows that Agg-CLNP nanoparticles, enriched with an active form of vitamin D3 and a fragment of a joint protein, can slow the progression of rheumatoid arthritis and reduce the severity of its flare-ups. Experimental results in human blood and animal models indicate the potential of this technology for disease prevention and complementation with current therapies.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, incurable autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks joint tissues, causing pain, swelling, and inflammation. Treatment to date focuses on slowing disease progression, primarily with DMARDs such as abatacept. However, most patients experience flare-ups, and for those with autoantibodies but no clinical symptoms, there are no approved preventative measures.

A research team from the University of California, San Diego , Cedars-Sinai Medical Center , and the University of Gothenburg developed CLNP nanoparticles made of PLGA and PEG polymers, saturated with calcitriol, the active form of vitamin D3. The researchers added a fragment of the aggrecan (Agg) protein, which is often targeted by abnormal immune responses in RA. Studies have shown that Agg-CLNPs regulate the activity of dendritic cells, key in initiating inflammation and disease flare-ups.

In blood samples from individuals with RA and healthy donors, Agg-CLNPs reduced dendritic cell activity, weakening the immune response . This effect may translate into a reduction in disease symptoms, including inflammation and joint swelling. In mouse models, Agg-CLNPs administered prophylactically delayed the onset of symptoms and reduced the progression of inflammation, although their effectiveness was reduced when administered after disease onset.

In experiments , combining Agg-CLNP with abatacept delayed the onset of the disease , reduced inflammation, swelling, and bone damage. Administration of Agg-CLNP after corticosteroid treatment reduced the severity of flare-ups , which may indicate that this technology will be used to support current RA therapies. As the study authors emphasize:

Source: PAP/MH