Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic autoimmune disease that causes joint pain, stiffness, and inflammation as the immune system erroneously attacks the body’s tissues. Researchers at Osaka University have identified a crucial protein complex, COMMD3/8, that accelerates rheumatoid arthritis progression. Their study, published in Science Immunology, indicates that the absence of the COMMD3/8 complex impairs antibody production, suggesting its significant role in autoimmune responses. They discovered that celastrol, a compound from the Thunder God vine, effectively inhibits this protein complex.
In their experiments, the researchers used a mouse model of rheumatoid arthritis, repressing COMMD3 expression at the disease’s onset, which halted progression. Celastrol was identified as a potent inhibitor, binding covalently to COMMD3 and blocking complex formation, thus diminishing the immune response associated with the disease. This discovery positions the COMMD3/8 protein complex as a promising therapeutic target for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions. The research highlights the potential of celastrol as a lead in developing future treatments against these diseases. The study received funding from various Japanese scientific agencies and pharmaceutical companies.
