Neutrophil nanosponges soak up proteins that promote rheumatoid arthritis

Engineers have developed neutrophil ‘nanosponges’ that can safely absorb and neutralize a variety of proteins that play a role in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Injections of these nanosponges effectively treated severe rheumatoid arthritis in two mouse models. Administering the nanosponges early on also prevented the disease from developing. The nanosponges are nanoparticles of biodegradable polymer coated with the cell membranes of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell.

Can rare lymphocytes combat rheumatoid arthritis?

Immunologists have demonstrated that ILC2, a group of rare lymphoid cells, play a key role in the development of inflammatory arthritis. ILCs have several functional similarities to T-cells and are important agents of our congenital immune system. The researchers’ findings could form the basis for new approaches for treating rheumatoid arthritis.