Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 28, 2026
An Adoptive Transfer Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Mice
Published on: June 6, 2025
Gene therapy in rheumatoid arthritis: Strategies to select therapeutic genes
Mahdi Zavvar1, Sara Assadiasl2, Narjes Soleimanifar2
1Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
Abstract:
Significant advances have been achieved in recent years to ameliorate rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in animal models using gene therapy approaches rather than biological treatments. Although biological agents serve as antirheumatic drugs with suppressing proinflammatory cytokine activities, they are usually accompanied by systemic immune suppression resulting from continuous or high systemic dose injections of biological agents. Therefore, gene transfer approaches have opened an interesting perspective to deliver one or multiple genes in a target-specific or inducible manner for the sustained intra-articular expression of therapeutic products. Accordingly, many studies have focused on gene transferring methods in animal models by using one of the available approaches. In this study, the important strategies used to select effective genes for RA gene therapy have been outlined. Given the work done in this field, the future looks bright for gene therapy as a new method in the clinical treatment of autoimmune diseases such as RA, and by ongoing efforts in this field, we hope to achieve feasible, safe, and effective treatment methods.
Insights
Gene therapy offers a promising alternative to biological treatments for rheumatoid arthritis (RA). This approach enables targeted gene delivery for sustained relief, potentially overcoming limitations of current therapies.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Gene Therapy
- Rheumatology
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) management often involves biological agents that suppress proinflammatory cytokines but can cause systemic immune suppression.
- Gene therapy presents a novel strategy for sustained, target-specific delivery of therapeutic products within the joint.
Purpose of the Study:
- To outline key strategies for selecting effective genes for rheumatoid arthritis gene therapy.
- To review advancements in gene therapy for RA treatment in animal models.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on gene therapy approaches for rheumatoid arthritis.
- Analysis of gene selection strategies for therapeutic efficacy in preclinical RA models.
Main Results:
- Gene transfer methods show potential for sustained intra-articular expression of therapeutic products.
- Successful amelioration of rheumatoid arthritis in animal models using various gene therapy strategies has been demonstrated.
Conclusions:
- Gene therapy holds significant promise as a future clinical treatment for autoimmune diseases like RA.
- Ongoing research aims to develop feasible, safe, and effective gene therapy methods for RA treatment.
More Related Videos
09:31Generation of Induced-pluripotent Stem Cells Using Fibroblast-like Synoviocytes Isolated from Joints of Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients
Published on: October 16, 2016
06:31Author Spotlight: Enhancing Rheumatoid Arthritis Research Through HR-pQCT Imaging Analysis
Published on: October 6, 2023
Related Concept Videos
00:59Gene Therapy
02:39Gene Flow
02:08Gene Conversion
01:57Gene Families
Occasionally these regions can be adapted to take on new roles within the organism, becoming novel genes...
01:42What is Gene Expression?
Gene expression is the process in which DNA directs the synthesis of functional products, that is, proteins. Cells can regulate gene expression at various stages. It allows organisms to generate different cell types and enables cells to adapt to internal and external factors.
Genetic Information Flows from DNA to RNA to Protein
A gene is a stretch of DNA that serves as the blueprint for functional RNAs and proteins. Since DNA is made up of nucleotides and proteins consist of amino...
02:07Organization of Genes