Question
Dear Rusty,
          My question and preamble may be a bit convoluted but i ask you to bare with me for although as a sufferer of Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)I have read extensively about this disease my understanding is still that of a layman,s and i may have difficulty with context and order. Here goes,I have always believed that RA is the result of an infection(if not directly)then somehow as a consequence of an infection. Recently i read an article about the flu virus and how it can block the interaction of CD200 and it,s receptor CD200R which you may know or have read about and how this interaction can signal the down regulation of the Th1 response and the up regulation of the Th2 response and as a result dampen pro inflammatory macrophages and cytokines and how this blocking effect of the virus continues for some time after the virus has been cleared from the system, this phenomenon in itself would be an interesting piece of research but my interest in this matter as i,m sure you would understand is with the action of CD200 and it,s possible benefits to RA sufferers. Present research is based around a CD200 mimic, a monoclonial antibody called CD200Fc. I have grave concerns about monoclonial antibodies and the risks involved with systemic loading of these antibodies by oral prescription as it would appear to me that you get immunnosuppression where it,s not needed and this could be a reason why risks arise. Considering that in RA inflammation is site specific a better safer means of delivery could and should be developed. Now the point on which my question is based is that CD200 is expressed in mRNA and i should qualify why. Recently while i was in the country side i got several bites by an insect and on reflection my immune system went through what i would say was a normal reaction, itching,swelling,inflammation,dampening of inflammation and healing and this would suggest to me that site specific to these bites i.e. in my epidermis i have active and CD200 expressing mRNA.What i was thinking and i must say that i don,t know if it is even possible , that a persons own CD200 expressing mRNA could harvested and delivered directly to the affected areas. I would be interested in what your thinking on this matter would be. As my question involves genetics i would understand if you feel unable to answer but would be grateful if you could pass it on or recommend an expert.
     Thank you for your time and consideration.
               Yours sincerely.
                     kieran.

Answer
Kieran.

You have ask the most interesting question I have ever been ask. I am sorry to say that you probably know more about CD200 therapy than I do since I have only read two or three articles about the subject. It is an interesting concept to use this or any treatment for RA in a site specific method. RA usually effects to many areas of the body to use a site specific method of treatment to treat the areas effected by the disease.

I wish I knew more about the subject and expect I will not that you have gotten my curiosity up.

Rusty