How do glucocorticoids (‘steroids’) work? 2025

0:00
3:36 Understanding the biology of steroids.
9:34 Historical background of using glucocorticoids to treat human diseases.
23:39 Side effects of glucocorticoids.
26:26 Known effects on the immune system.
27:01 Key knowledge gaps.
28:23 Our research platform.
29:17 Each cell responds very differently to glucocorticoids.
37:21 We need to study glucocorticoids in specific disease states.
40:42 How can this knowledge to the development of safer therapies?
41:22 Can we selectively deliver glucocorticoids to specific cell types?
41:48 Advantages of nanobodies as drug-delivery vehicles.
46:50 Summary
49:05 Q&A: Do most autoimmune diseases require steroid therapy?
50:03 Q&A: How do we know when to have a conversation with our doctor about our steroid dosage?
52:16 Q&A: Can you explain one of your summary points about pinning down the molecular mechanisms responsible for specific effects of glucocorticoids. What does this all mean to the average patient on steroid therapy?
54:23: Q&A: Does using topical steroids affect the dosage of glucocorticoids begin given to the patient?
57:38 Q&A: Below 15mg of prednisone my symptoms begin to return on taper. Is this common?
59:32 Q&A: Why do so many patients have difficulty reducing dosage. Also, the issue of adrenal insufficiency and tapering.
1:03:13 Q&A: When determining dosage does a person’s body weight factor into the dose level?
1:04:24 Q&A: Can you imagine a day when the dose of steroids needed could be cut in half?
1:06:22 Q&A: Are the side effects of steroids permanent?

How do glucocorticoids (‘steroids’) work?
January 2025