Role of the novel TGF-b superfamily cytokine MIC-1 in the pathogenesis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

Funded Activity Summary

Cytokines are hormone like messengers that mediate the interactions between cells. We have discovered a new cytokine that we have named macrophage inhibitory cytokine 1 (MIC-1). It belongs to a very important family of proteins that are involved in wound healing, development and inflammation. Our data thus far suggests that MIC-1 is an anti-inflammatory factor that is of particular relevance in rheumatoid arthritis. We wish to determine the relationship between the amount of this cytokine in the joint and the blood and the activity of rheumatoid arthritis. To better understand the actions of this molecule, we also want to study the factors that regulate the production of MIC-1 from human blood cells. Finally, to assess whether MIC-1 is useful for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, we will use gene therapy approaches to develop animals that produce increased amounts of MIC-1 and determine whether this prevents or mitigates the development of rheumatoid arthritis.

Funded Activity Details

Start Date: 01-01-2001

End Date: 01-01-2003

Funding Scheme: NHMRC Project Grants

Funding Amount: $309,536.00

Funder: National Health and Medical Research Council

Research Topics

ANZSRC Field of Research (FoR)

Rheumatology And Arthritis

ANZSRC Socio-Economic Objective (SEO)

There are no SEO codes available for this funding activity

Other Keywords

MIC-1, a novel TGF-b superfamily cytokine | atherosclerosis | chronic inflammatory diseases | cytokine therapy | inflammation | monocytes or macrophages | rheumatoid arthritis | therapy with biopharmaceuticals | transgenics

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