Evidence for a pathogenic link between lung inflammation and autoimmune arthritis (360G-Wellcome-207163_Z_17_Z)

Our overall objective is to experimentally identify the early immunological events which trigger a spontaneous breach of tolerance in genetically susceptible mice, and, which can be linked to the development of arthritis. We will analyse the immunological reactivity of the lungs of susceptible mice to environmental stresses such as microbes. Our purpose is to identify early biomarkers of autoimmune initiation, which will be assessed for suitability as treatment targets with translational relevance. We will seek to determine the benefits of administration of anti-microbial agents for amelioration of lung inflammation with a view to prevention of autoimmune disease progression.