In-Depth Analysis of Citrulline-Specific CD4 T Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Abstract
The goal of this project is to test the hypothesis that cit-specific CD4 T cells present in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients exhibit a distinct cell surface phenotype and transcriptional signature that could be used to predict disease, response to therapy and identify novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of RA. In Year 2, we have made significant progress on all our goals. For Aim 1, we have completed patient recruitment for the cross-sectional study, and begun analysis of the frequency and phenotype of cit-specific T cells in this cohort. In addition, we have developed and validated new tools for characterizing of cit-specific T cells. This work was presented at the 2016 American College of Rheumatology (ACR) Annual Meeting (Milestone #2) and a manuscript based on this work is in preparation (Milestone #3). We are on track to complete Aim 1 by the end of the first quarter of 2017. For Aim 2, we have completed whole blood RNAseq on the cross-sectional cohort. Although data analysis is ongoing, we have already identified novel RA specific transcript markers that will be used for the transcript profiling of the tetramer sorted cit-specific T cells. For Aim 3, recruitment to the longitudinal study is on track with phenotypic analysis scheduled to start at in the second quarter of 2017. Given these accomplishments in Year 2, we do not anticipate any problems achieving Milestones 3 and 4 by the end of Year 3.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 2017
- Accession Number
- AD1035850
Entities
People
- Bernard Ng
- Jane H Buckner
Organizations
- Benaroya Research Institute