Scientists discover a hidden switch that shuts down inflammation

Researchers at University College London (UCL) have identified a biological mechanism that helps the body bring inflammation to an end, a finding that could eventually lead to new treatments for chronic inflammatory diseases affecting millions of people.

Inflammation is one of the immune system's most important defense responses. It helps the body fight infection and repair damaged tissue. But if that response remains active for too long, it can begin to harm healthy tissue and contribute to conditions including arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes.

Scientists have long known a great deal about how inflammation begins. What has been less clear is how the body decides that the danger has passed and shifts from fighting a threat to repairing the damage.

The new study, published in Nature Communications, points to a group of small fat-derived molecules called epoxy-oxylipins as part of that shutdown process.