ElderWeb

British scientists have announced what they say is the first evidence of a cure for rheumatoid arthritis. A research team at University College in London led by Professor Jonathan Edwards says it has discovered what causes the body's defenses mistakenly to attack healthy joints and tissue. Its cure focuses on the role of B-cells, white blood cells that defend the body against viruses and bacteria by making antibodies that attack the hostile microbes. B-cells can accidentally make antibodies that attack healthy tissue. In the case of arthritis, the result is a self-sustaining attack on joints and tissue.

Researchers followed 20 patients who have had rheumatoid arthritis for an average of 20 years and who all failed to respond to any standard therapy, and put them through 18 months of treatment. Of the 20, five now have only some residual pain from the damage already done. Researchers said they have returned to leading a more or less normal life, with one going to the gym and one taking up gardening for the first time in ages.

Prof Edwards and his colleagues believe that they have found a way to break the circle, using drugs that seek out and destroy B-cells. He said: "Unlike with other cells in the immune system, most people can live without any B-cells for a while. By the time we reach adulthood we have already made most of the antibodies we need." After a single treatment to wipe out all the B-cells, the body responds by making fresh ones. The chances of these new B-cells making the same mistake as their predecessors, however, thereby triggering a return of rheumatoid arthritis, is small.

Edwards said the B-cell based therapy might also offer hope to patients with other auto-immune diseases, such as Crohn's disease, lupus and even multiple sclerosis.

The team will announce the results of its research Monday at the annual scientific meeting of the American College of Rheumatology in Philadelphia. The findings will be also published in the leading journal Rheumatology.