Targeting TRAF1 in psoriatic arthritis

There is no cure for psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and current treatments aim at reducing inflammation, slowing the progression of the disease, and avoiding severe damage to the skin and joints. Immune cells contribute to inflammatory cascades in the joints and the skin that produce inflammatory cytokines and lead to severe tissue damage. Current therapies are geared towards modulating the patient’s immune response or blocking the action of specific cytokines; unfortunately, many patients do not respond to treatment or suffer from significant side effects. This necessitates the development of new therapies that would specifically target the immune components that are involved in PsA pathogenesis and “pump the brakes” on their ability to produce the damaging cytokines.

TRAF1 is a protein linked with increased risk for rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis. Dr. Abdul-Sater’s lab has recently discovered that this protein is important for cytokine production in immune cells. Dr. Abdul-Sater’s team created a modified version of this protein that improved its ability to limit inflammation and block cytokine production. In this proposal, and in collaboration with the Krembil Foundation, Dr. Abdul-Sater will test whether modifying this protein the same way in PsA patient cells will reduce their ability to produce damaging cytokines…

Faculty Supervisor:

Ali Abdul-Sater

Student:

Partner:

The Krembil Foundation

Discipline:

Life Sciences

Sector:

Other services (except public administration)

University:

York University

Program: