Molecular gatekeeper of arthritis identified: Removal of key protein leads to initiation of disease

Elimination of a molecular gatekeeper leads to the development of arthritis in mice, scientists report. The newly discovered gatekeeper is a protein that determines the fate — survival or death — of damaging cells that mistakenly attack the body’s own tissues and lead to autoimmune disorders. Better understanding how arthritis develops will offer scientists an opportunity to explore new treatments for patients who have not had success with current therapies.