The change in nasal inflammatory markers after intranasal challenges with particulate chitin and lipopolysaccharide: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study with a positive control.

Background: We investigated the effect of chitin on the inflammation and immune modulation of the nasal mucosa. This compound was compared to placebo and as a positive control we used lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

Methods: Fourteen healthy nonsmoking volunteers 22 to 28 years of age were included.

New therapeutics that treat rheumatoid arthritis by blocking T-cell activation.

Despite the recent introduction of several new biological products, there remains a significant unmet medical need in rheumatoid arthritis. A focus on the aberrant activation of autoimmune T cells, which is integral to pathogenesis, is a promising approach involved in several of these new therapies. In choosing a molecular target for the modification of T-cell function, it is argued in this article, that within co-stimulatory pathways, CD80 could have a more compelling rationale than CD86.