Our research explores how the gut and joints communicate in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). We study how diet, gut barrier integrity, and the “gut–joint axis” affect inflammation and disease relapse. Early findings show that certain acetylated proteins in the gut may stimulate the immune system to produce antibodies that also attack joint tissues. This immune reaction seems to worsen arthritis and make the disease persist. We are now investigating which gut proteins are acetylated and how diet, microbes, and body processes influence this. By understanding these links, we aim to develop nutritional approaches that help control RA and support long-term remission.
Principal Investigators
Prof. Dr. rer. nat. Dr. habil. med. Mario Zaiss