Ankylosing spondylitis: It may all start in your gut
New research from The University of Queensland team led by Prof Ranjeny Thomas, Dr Anne-Sophie Bergot and MD-PhD student Benjamin Cai suggests that ankylosing spondylitis may start when immune cells carry bacterial components from the gut to the joints in people who are genetically at risk. Traces of gut bacteria were found in the joints of disease-susceptible mice and patients. Supporting gut health and keeping macrophages quiet could create new routes to better manage AS.