The immune molecule has proven to play a key role in the regulation of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis

Researchers from the University of Kyoto have discovered that an immune molecule found only in primates. Meanwhile, called IGFL2, plays a key role in the regulation of inflammation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Moreover, IGFL2 is produced by a subset of immune cells in the joints of PR patients. Furthermore, acts as fuel on a fire: it activates more immune cells, further amplifying inflammation and aggravating joint lesions. Therefore, They also found that IGFL2 levels were much higher in the blood of PR patients. Therefore, especially in those with more serious symptoms. For example, These results support the potential of IGFL2 as a diagnostic marker. Therefore, a tool for monitoring the progression of the disease and a target for new therapies, paving the way for previous detection, more effective treatments and a better immune molecule proven play key quality of life for people with PR in the world.

Preview

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the lining of the joints (the synovial). Consequently, causing pain, swelling and progressive damage. Therefore, About 18 million people worldwide live with RA. Therefore, Early diagnosis and treatment can relieve symptoms, slowdown in the progression of the disease and help prevent disability. Additionally, Therefore, Current therapies focus on reducing inflammation and preservation of joint function, but up to 30% of patients do not respond well. Consequently, This highlights the urgent need to better understand your pathology for early diagnosis and the development of more effective therapies.

Auxiliary T cells are a type of white blood cells that act like the “commanders” of the immune system. They play a crucial role in recognizing threats and coordinating immune responses. However. in autoimmune diseases immune molecule proven play key like PR, these commanders become deregulated and bring the immune system to attack the body’s own tissues. Although the auxiliary T cells are known to be major actors in PR. the precise molecular mechanisms resulting in inflammation are not yet clear. Now. researchers at the University of Kyoto have discovered a specific cytokine called IGFL2, produced by a subset of Auxiliary TPH cells called TPH (TPH) peripheral cells in the articulations of PR patients. Their results suggest that IGFL2 helps regulate inflammation in the synovial tissue of affected joints. could serve both a marker of the activity of the disease and a promising target for new therapies.

This research is led by assistant professor Akinori Murakami of the Institute for the Advanced Study of Human Biology (WPI-Ashbi). University of Kyoto; Associate Professor Hiroyuki Yoshitomi of the Immunology Department (also an associate investigator at WPI-Ashbi), Graduate School of Medicine; Professor Hideki immune molecule proven play key Ueno, Vice-Director and Principal Researcher of WPI-Ashbi (also a professor in the Immunology Department, Graduate School of Medicine, and director of the Kyoto University Immunological Sweiling Center, KIC); And Professor Shuichi Matsuda of the Orthopedic Surgery Department, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Kyoto. The results will be published in Scientific immunology August 1, 2025.

Immune molecule proven play key

Key conclusions

Using gene expression data of unique analysis. clinical information, researchers have analyzed individual T -tissue of the joint tissue of PR patients. They identified a distinct subgroup known as TPH cells, which are closely linked to a more serious disease. In particular. these cells produce IGFL2 (family member of the Insulin 2 type of growth factor), a cytokine found only in primates. IGFL2 has been exclusively expressed in auxiliary T cells in synovial tissue, with the highest levels observed in TPH cells.

The researchers then explored immune molecule proven play key how IGFL2 leads to inflammation in the RA. They found that IGFL2 stimulates the production of a protein called CXCL13, which promotes the production of autoantibodies. In addition, IGFL2 activates immune cells called monocytes and macrophages, further amplifying inflammation and joint lesions. This is supported by the fact that the IGFL2 blocking reduces the activation of these cells.

To assess its clinical relevance, the team has measured the IGFL2 levels in blood samples from PR. IGFL2 levels were much higher in patients compared to healthy individuals, and even higher in those with more serious symptoms. His ability to distinguish patients with healthy individuals was similar to the diagnostic markers commonly used.

Together. these results suggest that IGFL2 is not only a marker of the activity of the disease, but can also cause an inflammation actively in the PR, which makes it a promising target for new treatments.

Perspectives immune molecule proven play key futures

“We have carried out a unique analysis on human samples. have successfully identified a cytokine produced specifically by auxiliary T cells that play a key role in the pathology of human rheumatoid arthritis”, ” said Hiroyuki Yoshitomi, the main author of the newspaper. “Because this gene is unique to primates. this discovery would not have been possible to use conventional animal models such as mice or rats. »»

In the future, researchers aim to clarify how IGFL2 expression is regulated and its functions in the immune system. This work will deepen the understanding of the PA pathology. could lead to more precise diagnoses, innovative targeted therapies and, ultimately, to better results and the quality of life of the PR and other autoimmune diseases.

Glossary

• Auxiliary T cells: A type of white blood cells that acts as the “commander” of the immune system. They immune molecule proven play key play a key role in the direction of immune responses by helping B cells to produce antibodies. supporting the activation of other immune cells in response to foreign infections or substances.
• Analyse unique: A technique that isolates the RNA of individual cells. analyzes which genes are expressed and to what extent at the unique level. Unlike traditional bulk analysis. which only provides average data from a group of cells, the unique analysis allows researchers to observe the differences between individual cells, identify the types of rare cells and draw processes such as activation of immune cells and cell differentiation.
• Peripheral desiliary cells (TPH cells): A subset of Auxiliary T cells in inflamed tissues. helps form structures for sustained immune activation.
• Cytokine: A small protein released by cells affecting the behavior of other cells, especially in immune responses.
• Monocytes / macrophages: Immune cells involved in detection, swallow up and destroy pathogens immune molecule proven play key and cellular debris. The monocytes circulate in the blood circulation and migrate into the tissues, where they differentiate in macrophages.