Our Research
Understanding inflammation in childhood arthritis through tissue-based research
TRICIA supports a programme of clinical and translational research in juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA), with a focus on synovial tissue sampling and analysis. Our aim is to enable precision pathology through the integration of clinical data, laboratory findings, and patient experience.
What We Study
Our research explores the cellular and molecular mechanisms underpinning inflammation in JIA. This includes:
- Identifying key immune and stromal cell populations in the synovium
- Studying the spatial organisation and behaviour of cells within inflamed joints
- Linking tissue changes to clinical features and treatment response
- Exploring the relationship between joint and gut inflammation
We use a combination of minimally invasive ultrasound-guided biopsies, histology, spatial omics, and advanced bioinformatics.
How We Work
TRICIA facilitates research across multiple NHS sites, supported by:
Standardised biopsy protocols and data pipelines
Shared access to tissue and data platforms
Integration with national research initiatives (e.g. CLUSTER, IMID-Bio)
Patient and public involvement in design, review, and communication
Our infrastructure supports both discovery science and translational research aligned with clinical need.
MAPJAG
MAPJAG is our clinical observation study exploring how inflammation in the joints and gut is connected in children with JIA. It is a non-interventional study using ultrasound-guided biopsies and gut sampling to investigate immune responses and microbial profiles.
This study supports:
Tissue sample collection at multiple time points
Integration with spatial transcriptomics and microbiome profiling
Recruitment from paediatric rheumatology centres across the TRICIA network
Research Projects – Information coming soon
