New publications
Immunomodulatory nanoparticles: a new tactic for the prevention and control of exacerbations in rheumatoid arthritis
Last reviewed: 09.08.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks joint tissue, causing inflammation, pain, and destruction of cartilage and bone. Modern disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs) slow the progression of the disease, but are unable to prevent its development in people with a predisposition (pre-RA) and are not always effective in stopping painful exacerbations.
Research methods
Scientists from a team led by Nizarg Shah and Nunzio Bottini developed polymer nanoparticles loaded with the active form of vitamin D₃ (calcitriol) with an attached fragment of aggrecan, a protein that is mistakenly targeted by the immune response in RA. The new particles (Agg-CLNPs) were optimized for size and stability, tested for the absence of contaminants and resistance to freezing for up to a month. Their effects were assessed:
- In vitro on dendritic cells from the blood of patients with RA and healthy donors;
- in a mouse model of RA with prophylactic and therapeutic administration alone and in combination with the drug abatacept.
Key Results
- Regulation of dendritic cell activity. In blood samples, Agg-CLNPs significantly reduced dendritic cell activation in RA patients, which promises to reduce the initiation of inflammatory chains.
- Prevention of exacerbations: When Agg-CLNP was administered to mice before the onset of symptoms, the development of joint inflammation and edema was delayed.
- Combination therapy: The combined use of Agg-CLNP and abatacept not only delayed the onset of the disease, but also more effectively reduced the severity of joint damage (inflammation, swelling, bone destruction) compared to each agent alone.
- Flare control: In a post-flare model (after corticosteroid administration), Agg-CLNP reduced the severity of subsequent flares, demonstrating potential for stabilizing remission.
Interpretation and clinical conclusions
Immunomodulatory nanoparticles Agg-CLNP open a new avenue in the treatment of RA and its pre-symptomatic stages:
- Prevention of RA development in predisposed individuals. By reducing the activity of dendritic cells, it is possible to interrupt the autoimmune cascade at an early stage.
- Enhancement of the effect of basic therapy. Combination with abatacept showed synergy in joint protection and symptom relief.
- Relapse prevention. Agg-CLNP may be a means of prolonging remission after acute symptoms are relieved by corticosteroids.
Further human clinical trials will assess the safety, optimal dosage and long-term outcomes of this nanotechnology strategy.
Authors' comments
- Nisarg Shah: “Our nanoparticles show promising results in both disease prevention and remission, filling the gap between disease-modifying drugs and the needs of pre-RA patients.”
- Nunzio Bottini: “The combination approach – Agg-CLNP plus DMARDs – has shown a synergistic effect: we not only slow down the disease, but also reduce joint destruction.”
- The research team: “The next step is to evaluate the efficacy and safety in clinical trials to translate the technology from the laboratory into rheumatology practice.”