ACKR2 in inflammatory arthritis
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Atypical chemokine receptor 2 and the restriction of inflammatory spread in arthropathies.
IRAS ID
190123
Contact name
Hanna Johnsson
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde
Duration of Study in the UK
2 years, 10 months, 12 days
Research summary
Chemokines are molecules which direct the movements of cells involved in inflammation and play essential roles in inflammatory disorders like psoriasis and arthritis. Their activity can be modulated by atypical chemokine receptors (ACKRs). One of these, ACKR2, can limit the extent of inflammation. The amount of ACKR2 in the skin of patients with psoriasis is higher than in a healthy person's skin Levels are particularly high in skin not affected by psoriasis in these patients. We think that the high levels of ACKR2 prevent psoriasis from developing at the unaffected sites, and in the related condition psoriatic arthritis we think that this system fails, allowing inflammation to occur in joints.
In this project, we will examine ACKR2 levels in patients with psoriatic arthritis and compare it to a different type of arthritis, namely rheumatoid arthritis. We already know that there is ACKR2 in the joints in both conditions but there appears to be differences. We will examine this further to determine if increased levels restrict the spread of inflammation and what factors determine ACKR2 levels.
To do this, we will analyse blood samples, skin samples and samples from the lining of the joints (synovial biopsy) from patients and healthy controlss. Skin samples will be taken under local anaesthtic. Synovial biopsies will be taken at the time of orthopaedic procedures or as separate procedures using ultrasound guidance. Samples will be analysed for gene expression, protein expression and molecular pathways. If we confirm that high levels of ACKR2 limits inflammation it is a potential target for treatments and we will initiate a screen for molecules which can increase ACKR2 levels.
REC name
West of Scotland REC 4
REC reference
16/WS/0059
Date of REC Opinion
30 Mar 2016
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion