The immune system is like an army of different cells (regiments). Like a real army it is co-ordinated by generals (cells called Dendritic Cells [DCs]). When there is danger around, as in an infection, the generals instruct regiments to attack. The rest of the time they instruct regiments to ‘stand down’, to avoid damaging normal tissues.  In autoimmune diseases such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA), the immune system has become confused and attacks normal tissues. 

The AuToDeCRA project is exploring whether white blood cells taken from a person with RA can be used to make dendritic cells that instruct regiments to stand down. These type of dendritic cells are called tolerogenic dendritic cells or tolDC for short. The hope is that when the tolDC are injected back into the person they may be able to 'stand down' the confused immune system.

The original AuToDeCRA study involved making tolDC using fluid from an inflamed knee joint and then injecting back into the joint. The study showed that tolDC can be safely given to participants with active RA.

After the AuToDeCRA study, a few changes were made to the way we planned to make the TolDC product. A study called GMP Validation of TolDC allowed us to show that we were able to repeatedly manufacture TolDC to the standard required for use in humans.

We are now up to the AuToDeCRA-2 study, which as detailed elsewhere on this site, is about identifying the best way to introduce the TolDC into the body to maximise its effect while collecting further evidence of its safety and effect on the immune system.