Body’s Hidden “Off Switch” for Inflammation Found by Scientist
Scientists have uncovered the body’s built-in inflammation off switch. This discovery could reshape treatment for chronic diseases. Researchers at University College London led the human study.
Why Inflammation Matters
Inflammation protects us from infection and injury. It is an essential defense mechanism. However, problems arise when it continues unchecked. Chronic inflammation contributes to arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes.Until now, scientists did not fully understand how the body transitions from active immune attack to healing. This new research changes that.
Fat Molecules That Calm the Immune System
The study published in Nature Communications reveals something surprising. Small fat-based molecules called epoxy-oxylipins act as natural immune regulators. These molecules prevent the buildup of specific immune cells linked to chronic inflammation.Researchers conducted a careful experiment with healthy volunteers. They injected UV-killed E. coli bacteria into participants’ forearms. This triggered temporary inflammation, pain, redness, heat, and swelling.Volunteers were divided into two groups. One group received treatment before inflammation began. The other received treatment four hours after symptoms appeared. This second approach mirrored real-world treatment scenarios.
How the “Off Switch” Works
Participants received a drug called GSK2256294. This medication blocks an enzyme that normally breaks down epoxy-oxylipins. As a result, levels of these protective molecules increased in both groups.The outcomes were remarkable. Participants experienced faster pain resolution. They also had significantly lower levels of harmful immune cells in blood and tissue. Interestingly, visible symptoms like redness remained unchanged.Further investigation revealed the specific mechanism. One epoxy-oxylipin called 12,13-EpOME suppresses a protein signaling pathway that drives harmful immune cell transformation.
What This Means for Patients
First author Dr. Olivia Bracken explains: “Our findings reveal a natural pathway that limits harmful immune cell expansion. Targeting this mechanism could lead to safer treatments that restore immune balance.”Professor Derek Gilroy adds: “This is the first study to map epoxy-oxylipin activity in humans. By boosting these protective fat molecules, we could design safer treatments for chronic inflammation.”The drug used is already suitable for humans. Therefore, it could potentially be repurposed to treat inflammatory disease flares, an area currently lacking effective therapies.
Next Steps for Treatment
The findings open possibilities for clinical trials. Researchers hope to test sEH inhibitors for conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular disease.Dr. Bracken suggests: “For rheumatoid arthritis, sEH inhibitors could be trialled alongside existing medications. They might help prevent or slow joint damage.”Dr. Caroline Aylott from Arthritis UK comments: “Pain is incredibly complex. We are excited to see this study found a natural process that could stop inflammation and pain. This could lead to new pain management options.”
