ACT in action.

Findings suggest that previously unknown species of bacteria is the culprit because is found only in the intestines of people with rheumatoid arthritis. We also found that these bacteria can activate specialized immune cells called T cells in people with rheumatoid arthritis. T cells drive inflammatory responses in the body, and have been linked to the development of different autoimmune diseases.

Researchers are finding connections between the microbiome and patient susceptibility to Rheumatoid Arthritis, RA treatment responsiveness and the effectiveness of dietary changes to combat inflammation.

In a two year study, researchers in the Netherlands found patients both at risk for developing and with early rheumatoid arthritis had significantly different oral microbiota composition.

In new study completed in Switzerland and the UK, researchers identified a specific strain of bacteria as a potential trigger for the early stages of Rheumatoid Arthritis.