RituxiMAP GCA
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Mapping B-cell biology across the cardiovascular territories of giant cell arteritis: towards a new therapeutic approach
IRAS ID
361320
Contact name
Neeraj Dhaun
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University of Edinburgh
Duration of Study in the UK
3 years, 0 months, 1 days
Research summary
B cells are a component of the immune system which appear be important in causing all forms of cardiovascular disease. Until now, it has not been possible to directly study these cells in living patients (essential to assess their potential as the target of new treatments). For the first time in any cardiovascular disease, we will apply cutting edge scanning technology to visualise B cells in the blood vessels of giant cell arteritis (GCA) patients. GCA is a common and potentially deadly disorder of the blood vessels which is caused by abnormalities of the immune system. Current treatments are mainly limited to steroids. Unfortunately, these drugs bring tremendous side effects and so there is an urgent requirement to discover alternatives.
Our laboratory investigations tell us that B cells are highly present in GCA and so if our new scans fail to identify these cells in the blood vessels of these people, then the technology is unlikely to be useful for other cardiovascular diseases. If, however, we do successfully visualise B cells, this knowledge could pave the way for clinical trials of B cell targeted treatments (already established in other conditions) as steroid alternatives in GCA.
REC name
West Midlands - Coventry & Warwickshire Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
25/WM/0252
Date of REC Opinion
8 Dec 2025
REC opinion
Favourable Opinion