A Washington State University research team mapped molecular signals in human tissues and rat data and identified a lesser-known inflammatory route driven by TWEAK and its receptor Fn14. The team found that this TWEAK–Fn14 pathway can join with Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF) to amplify inflammation, and that when both pathways are active the inflammatory response increases sharply.
Blocking the Fn14 receptor reduced the inflammatory surge that TNF usually causes. Salah-uddin Ahmed, a professor and the corresponding author, described the pathway as a "back-door" entry that lets inflammation continue even when the main TNF route is blocked. The paper's first author is Farheen Shaikh.
The discovery may explain why TNF inhibitors fail for some patients. Rheumatoid arthritis affects roughly 1% of the world, and several TNF inhibitors are FDA approved. The team plans to test therapies that target both pathways together or focus on Fn14 alone.
Difficult words
- molecular — relating to very small chemical structures
- inflammation — body's response to injury or infection with swelling
- pathway — a series of connected biological steps or signalspathways
- receptor — a protein on cells that receives signals
- amplify — to make a signal or effect stronger
- block — to stop or prevent an action or signalBlocking, blocked
- surge — a sudden large increase in amount
- inhibitor — a drug or substance that stops an actioninhibitors
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- How might this discovery change treatment options for people with rheumatoid arthritis?
- Why could blocking Fn14 help patients who do not respond to TNF inhibitors?
- What benefits or risks do you imagine from therapies that target both pathways together?
Related articles
Antibiotics on farms and rising resistance in East Africa
Antibiotic use on farms in parts of East Africa is increasing antimicrobial resistance. Poor access to veterinary care, weak rules and routine drug use on animals are driving resistant infections that affect people, animals and the environment.
Vigorous exercise helps sleep in older adults with mild cognitive impairment
A small Texas A&M study used Oura Rings to track seven older adults with mild cognitive impairment for 14 days. Vigorous exercise gave the largest sleep benefit; light activity helped a little and moderate exercise showed no clear effect.
Few new antibiotics for children amid rising resistance
Global experts warn that few child-friendly antibiotics are being developed while antimicrobial resistance already causes millions of deaths. A 2026 Benchmark finds fewer drugs in company pipelines and a shortage of medicines for under-five children.