Scientists bidding to produce new anti-arthritis vaccine boosted by major cash injection
A TEAM of scientists aiming to produce an anti-arthritis vaccine - inspired by research work done by immunologist H.G. Wells at the turn of the century - have been given a major cash boost.
The team of researchers at King's College, Kensington, have been awarded a grant of £641,654 from leading medical research charity the Arthritis Research Campaign, the third highest research grant ever awarded in the charity's 60-year history.
The researchers in the Infection and Immunity Group, led by Professor Norman Staines, have developed ways in which the progression of the crippling condition of arthritis can be suppressed by the novel approach of eating or inhaling naturally produced proteins extracted from joints.
This approach had its origins in work done early this century by H.G.Wells - not, as is commonly believed in rheumatological circles and even the New Scientist, the celebrated novelist - but the Chicago immunologist Harry Gideon Wells
"The work by H.G Wells showed that immune responses to proteins that were eaten were quite unlike those same proteins given by injection,"explained Professor Staines.
Collagen derived from cartilage - one of the major targets of attack in arthritis - which is swallowed, or inhaled via a nasal spray or atomiser, has been shown to lead to a protective immune response that appears to damp down the autoimmune reaction that damage joints in arthritis.
Basic laboratory studies have already proved very encouraging, defining some of the basic scientific features of oral tolerance. They have also led to an ongoing clinical trial of 200 patients in collaboration with Guy's Hospital.
The new five-year programme grant awarded by the ARC will enable Professor Staines and his team to further investigate and refine this particular approach to disease control.
"The attraction of this approach lies in its apparent lack of damaging side effects and focus on specific ways of regulating just the bit of the immune system that is causing the problem in arthritis," said Prof Staines.
"The focus will be on unravelling the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in this tolerance effect, and defining which joint proteins are most relevant to controlling arthritis. We will pursue alternatives in which synthetic peptides, based on joint collagen, may be engineered to become more effective.
"The simplicity of inhaling or swallowing non-toxic natural proteins - which can be potent suppressors of harmful immune responses - has many attractions in situations where patients may need to take drugs for many years to control their arthritis."
The research work at King's could ultimately lead to an immunisation programme against arthritis. "In terms of a cure for arthritis, it's another significant weapon in our armoury,"added Prof Staines.
