Dr. rer. nat. Darja Andreev
Research group leader
Center for Regenerative Therapies
Dresden, Germany

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease marked by synovial inflammation, joint damage, and disability. Although Th1 and Th17 cells are well-established in RA, the role of type-2 immune responses, common in asthma and helminth infections, is less understood. My research reveals that type-2 immune responses play a protective role in RA, primarily through the accumulation of pro-resolving eosinophils in the synovium. These eosinophils help reduce inflammation through the polarization of alternatively activated macrophages and also prevent bone loss by inhibiting excessive osteoclast activity.