EurekAlert! highlighted groundbreaking research findings from Foundation-funded investigators at Mass General who have discovered that a protein called granzyme K (GZMK) may be a key driver of inflammationInflammation is a normal part of the body’s defense to injury or infection, and, in this way, it is beneficial. But inflammation is damaging when... and tissue damage in autoimmuneAny disorder in which loss of function or destruction of normal tissue arises from humoral or cellular immune responses to the body’s own tissue constituents.... diseases. This finding could pave the way for treatments that reduce harmful inflammation—without weakening the immune system’s ability to fight infections.
What This Means for Patients:
- Potential for safer, more effective treatments
- Therapies that target inflammationInflammation is a normal part of the body’s defense to injury or infection, and, in this way, it is beneficial. But inflammation is damaging when... without increasing the risk of infection
- A step toward better disease management and improved quality of life
This work was partly supported by the Rheumatology Research Foundation. Michael B. Brenner, MD, a 2023 Innovative Research Awardee (two-year award), led a project titled CD8 T Cell-Derived Granzyme K Activates Complement That Drives Synovial Fibroblast InflammationInflammation is a normal part of the body’s defense to injury or infection, and, in this way, it is beneficial. But inflammation is damaging when.... Anna Helena Jonsson, MD, PhD, a 2021 InvestigatorIn research, a person who is involved in running a clinical trial or research study. The investigator may help prepare and carry out the protocol... Awardee (three year project), led a project titled Roles of Granzyme K+ CD8 T cell Subsets Expanded in Rheumatoid ArthritisArthritis is the swelling and tenderness of one or more joints. Learn more. .