Scientists probe immune cells in arthritic joints for clues

NCT ID NCT03293667

Knowledge-focused Sponsor: University Hospital, Montpellier Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This pilot study analyzed special immune cells called regulatory T cells (Tregs) in the joint fluid of 19 people with rheumatoid arthritis during a flare-up. Researchers compared these cells to Tregs in the blood to understand how they behave in inflamed joints. No treatment was given; the goal was simply to learn more about the disease.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only, not medical advice or a prediction.

What this could lead to: If successful, this research could help scientists better understand why the immune system attacks joints in rheumatoid arthritis, potentially pointing toward new treatment targets.
What could go wrong: This was a very small pilot study (19 patients) that only looked at cells, not treatments. It was terminated early, so results may be incomplete and not generalizable.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Study facts

What this study's own registry entry says, in plain language.

Phase

Not a phased trial

Phase numbers describe drug development. The registry uses this when they do not apply, as it does for trials of devices, procedures or behaviour changes, and for observational studies.

Participants

19 people

The number who actually took part.

Started

Oct 2017

Finished

Jul 2021

Lead sponsor

Other sponsor

The registry's catch-all category, for sponsors it does not file as a company, a government agency, or a research network.

Who can take part

This study's own entry requirements. Only the study team can say for certain whether you qualify.

Ages

18 to 65 years

Sex

Anyone

Healthy volunteers

Not accepted

This study is not open to healthy volunteers. The entry requirements below say who it is open to.

Show the full entry requirements

Copied word for word from the study's registry entry, so the wording is the study team's rather than ours.

Inclusion Criteria: * 18 to 65 years old * patients with rheumatoid arthritis according to 2010 ACR/EULAR criteria * Patients with swelling joint suffering from an episode of acute articular flare link to RA and that requires an aspiration of joint fluid (RA with less than 3 months of evolution confirmed by clinical examination and/or joint ultrasound) * Patients who agreed to participate to this study and signs the informed consent form Exclusion Criteria: * Septic arthritis confirmed by microbiological analysis of synovial fluid * Osteoarthritis of the reference joint confirmed by X-ray * Contraindication for joint aspiration: Platelets \< 50 000/mm3, Prothrombin time \<70%, Partial Thromboplastin Time Blood Test-PTT \> 1,5 times compare to the control sample, anticoagulant therapy * Biotherapy (including (anti-TNF-α), corticosteroid (orally, intravenously or intra-articulary) or others immunosuppressive drug (current treatment or treatment within 3 months before joint aspiration). * Pregnancy, mother in the post natal period or breastfeeding.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

rheumatoid arthritis

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Characterization of regulatory T lymphocytes Joint fluid Rheumatoid arthritis Swelling joint

Scientists probe immune cells in arthritic joints for clues

What the study statuses mean