Role of the novel TGF-b superfamily cytokine MIC-1 in the pathogenesis and treatment of rheumatoid arthritis

细胞因子是介导细胞间相互作用的激素样信使。我们发现了一种新的细胞因子，我们将其命名为巨噬细胞抑制性细胞因子1（MIC-1）。它属于一个非常重要的蛋白质家族，参与伤口愈合，发育和炎症。迄今为止，我们的数据表明MIC-1是一种抗炎因子，与类风湿性关节炎特别相关。我们希望确定关节和血液中这种细胞因子的量与类风湿性关节炎活动之间的关系。为了更好地了解这种分子的作用，我们还想研究调节人血细胞产生MIC-1的因素。最后，为了评估MIC-1是否可用于治疗类风湿性关节炎，我们将使用基因治疗方法来开发产生增加量的MIC-1的动物，并确定这是否预防或减轻类风湿性关节炎的发展。

Cytokines are hormone like messengers that mediate the interactions between cells. We have discovered a new cytokine that we have named macrophage inhibitory cytokine 1 (MIC-1). It belongs to a very important family of proteins that are involved in wound healing, development and inflammation. Our data thus far suggests that MIC-1 is an anti-inflammatory factor that is of particular relevance in rheumatoid arthritis. We wish to determine the relationship between the amount of this cytokine in the joint and the blood and the activity of rheumatoid arthritis. To better understand the actions of this molecule, we also want to study the factors that regulate the production of MIC-1 from human blood cells. Finally, to assess whether MIC-1 is useful for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, we will use gene therapy approaches to develop animals that produce increased amounts of MIC-1 and determine whether this prevents or mitigates the development of rheumatoid arthritis.