Camilla Svensson

Project summary

Rheumatoid arthritis and chronic pain

An estimated one in five adults in Europe suffers from chronic pain, which is associated with a substantially reduced quality of life for those affected and considerable costs to society. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease in which joint pain is a major problem.

 

Studies have shown that joint pain and antibodies against various proteins in the joints may be present for many years before a patient can be diagnosed with RA.

 

Antibodies are an important driver of the inflammatory process that causes joint swelling and the breakdown of cartilage and bone. Previously, it was thought that pain-sensing nerves were primarily stimulated by factors produced during inflammation. However, the project’s studies suggest that antibodies directed against specific structures, such as cartilage, can also activate pain-sensing nerves directly and thereby act as pain-inducing molecules, independently of the inflammatory process.

 

Our data show that antibody-mediated pain is regulated at several levels, not only in the joint but also, for example, in the spinal cord, where glial cells contribute to amplifying pain signals. As many autoimmune diseases are associated with pain, the project is investigating in detail which types of antibodies have pain-inducing properties and how they activate pain-sensing nerves. Increasing our understanding of how chronic pain develops is essential if we are to identify therapeutic targets for new drugs and develop better treatment strategies.

 

The ambition is to establish a platform for pain research that spans the entire pathway “from laboratory to patient”. A successful research team requires a leader who can articulate a vision and translate it into reality, set a clear strategic direction, and effectively motivate and inspire the group so that every member feels involved in achieving its goals.