Jakarta, CNBC Indonesia – Researchers at University College London have identified a biological process that may halt inflammation, a key component of the body’s defense against infection, and injury.
Uncontrolled inflammation can lead to more serious health conditions, including arthritis, heart disease, and diabetes, making the discovery a potentially significant step forward in treating chronic inflammatory illnesses.
The research, published recently, centers around small, fat-based molecules called epoxy-oxylipins, which appear to naturally regulate the immune response. These molecules work by preventing the buildup of specific immune cells, known as intermediate monocytes, that are linked to chronic inflammation and tissue damage.
“Our findings reveal a natural pathway that limits the expansion of harmful immune cells and helps resolve inflammation more quickly,” said lead author Olivia Bracken, quoted in Science Daily, on Friday, February 20, 2026.
In experiments, researchers induced a temporary inflammatory response in volunteers by injecting a small amount of deactivated E. Coli bacteria under the skin. This caused typical inflammatory symptoms like pain, redness, heat, and swelling.
Participants were then divided into two groups – a prophylactic group and a therapy group – and received either a drug called GDK2256294, which blocks soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) and prevents the breakdown of epoxy-oxylipins, or a placebo. The prophylactic group consisted of 12 participants, while the therapy group also included 12 participants receiving the drug and 12 receiving a placebo.
The results showed that inhibiting sEH increased levels of epoxy-oxylipins. Those who received the drug experienced faster healing and lower levels of intermediate monocytes in their blood and tissues. These intermediate monocytes are immune cells associated with chronic inflammation and disease.
Bracken explained that the findings could pave the way for new therapies for chronic inflammation. Targeting this mechanism, she added, could also lead to safer treatments.
“Targeting this mechanism offers the potential for safer treatments to restore immune balance without broadly suppressing immunity,” she said.
“With chronic inflammation representing a major global health threat, these findings open a promising avenue for new therapies,” she added.
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