In addition to focusing on reducing inflammation, the researchers also studied the specific type of white blood cells that were required for reducing inflammation. By analyzing gene expression and deleting specific types of white blood cells, the researchers found that white blood cells called T cells and B cells were both involved in reducing the severity of arthritis.
"Rheumatoid arthritis can be a devasting disease if not treated aggressively," said Bryce Binstadt, M.D., Ph.D., a senior author of the study and an associate professor of Pediatrics in the Division of Pediatric Rheumatology in the University of Minnesota Medical School. "The idea that we can improve arthritis treatment by using ultrasound rather than additional medications is exciting. This research shows the progress we can make when doctors and engineers come together to solve problems."
In addition to Zachs, Lim, and Binstadt, the research team included Jamu Alford, Sarah Offutt, Yohan Kim, and Jerel Mueller from the Restorative Therapies Group at Medtronic; Claire Kaiser, Abigail Heiller, and Hongsun Guo from the University of Minnesota Department of Biomedical Engineering; and Rachel Graham, Jennifer Auger, Nathaniel Schuldt, Raini Dutta from the University of Minnesota Center for Immunology and Department of Pediatrics.
This research was primarily funded by the United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA), an agency of the U.S. Department of Defense.
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