Lauren A. Henderson, MD, MSSC
Boston Children's Hospital
Dr. Henderson is studying systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA), a subtype of JIA. Many patients with sJIA initially present with fevers and rashes; a little more than half develop chronic arthritis that is difficult to treat. While it is known that inflammatory immune system cells play a role in the disease, it is not understood why some sJIA patients suffer from chronic arthritis. Dr. Henderson’s work will provide insight on the role of certain immune cells, especially T cells, in the development and long term effects of sJIA. The results of Dr. Henderson’s research could have strong implications for the treatment of sJIA and chronic arthritis, and could help patients like Melanie whose childhood rheumatic disease progressed into chronic arthritis.