The study, published in Nature Medicine found that people with arthritis in long-term remission had a difference in cell function which could settle inflammation and 'teach' nearby cells to repair the joint.
Although treatment for rheumatoid arthritis has improved, some people with the condition do not respond well with many having unpredictable 'flare-ups' of the disease. Scientists now hope that by harnessing the benefit of these 'resolving' cells it could lead to new and more effective treatments.