Scripps Research scientists have developed a new class of drug compounds that reduce harmful inflammation while leaving the body’s ability to fight infections intact—a long-sought goal in treating autoimmune diseases. The compounds, called ENDOtollins, work by interrupting a “molecular handshake” between two proteins inside immune cells. The research, published in Nature Chemical Biology, could lead to more targeted treatments for conditions like lupus, rheumatoid arthritis and juvenile arthritis, which together affect more than 15 million Americans.

“A key component of our approach is to begin by understanding the biological mechanisms at play,” says Sergio D. Catz, professor at Scripps Research and senior author. “By accomplishing this first, we can more easily target the pathway driving inflammation without affecting other important processes.”