Neutrophil nanosponges soak up proteins that promote rheumatoid arthritis

(University of California - San Diego) Engineers have developed neutrophil 'nanosponges' that can safely absorb and neutralize a variety of proteins that play a role in the progression of rheumatoid arthritis. Injections of these nanosponges effectively treated severe rheumatoid arthritis in two mouse models. Administering the nanosponges early on also prevented the disease from developing. The nanosponges are nanoparticles of biodegradable polymer coated with the cell membranes of neutrophils, ...