Mechanisms of how acetylated proteins contribute to rheumatoid arthritis progression and relapse (TP10)

• Subject Area: Rheumatology
• Term: since 2026
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 550296805

This project investigates intestinal protein hyper-acetylation as a driver of anti-acetylated peptide antibody (AAPA)-mediated immune responses in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Mass spectrometry will identify acetylated proteins and enzyme activity in intestinal tissues from RA patients and CIA mice. In vivo challenges with acetylated proteins or AAPAs in CIA models, combined with cellular immunophenotyping and MERFISH, will elucidate pathogenic mechanisms. Dietary and microbial interventions will assess AAPA titer modulation and links to treatment resistance and relapse. The project builds on the group’s pioneering, published work on the gut-joint axis in RA pathogenesis.

• DFG Programme: Collaborative Research Centres
• Subproject of: SFB 1755: CASCAID - Cellular and Systems Control of Autoimmune Disease
• Applicant Institution: Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg
• Project Head: Professor Dr. Mario M. Zaiss