Viruses that affect the respiratory system are the most common global illness and can have significant medical consequences for people with chronic inflammatory diseases. In this study, we will study immune responses in the airway and blood to these viruses in patients with rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disease that can cause lung inflammation and joint destruction.
We will determine how people with rheumatoid arthritis’ immune response differs and how that affects the severity of their viral illness, autoimmune disease and may lead to changes in lung function.
