The AuToDeCRA-2 study seeks to prove it is possible to train white blood cell commanders - dubbed the "generals" of the immune system - to order other "soldier" cells to stop attacking healthy tissues.

Prof John Isaacs, who has worked on the condition for 35 years and is leading the research, believes this could make it possible to "switch off" rheumatoid arthritis.

Trial participant Carol Robson, from Jarrow in South Tyneside, says the worst part of living with the disease is the pain, but if the research helps ease suffering "that would be wonderful".

The study, funded by the charity Versus Arthritis and the European Commission, is being run by Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals.

Patients are taking part in a trial that scientists hope could ultimately lead to a cure for rheumatoid arthritis.

The AuToDeCRA-2 study seeks to prove it is possible to train white blood cell commanders - dubbed the "generals" of the immune system - to order other "soldier" cells to stop attacking healthy tissues.

Prof John Isaacs, who has worked on the condition for 35 years and is leading the research, believes this could make it possible to "switch off" rheumatoid arthritis.

Trial participant Carol Robson, from Jarrow in South Tyneside, says the worst part of living with the disease is the pain, but if the research helps ease suffering "that would be wonderful".

The study, funded by the charity Versus Arthritis and the European Commission, is being run by Newcastle University and Newcastle Hospitals.

Among the estimated 450,000 people in England who live with the condition is 70-year-old former nurse Ms Robson. She wakes up every morning to pain.

Before she was diagnosed she would put her hands in packets of frozen peas in an effort to find some relief.

She now takes immunosuppressants, which she says help a bit, but since being injected with the retrained white blood cells she believes she is in less pain.

"Is this just me hoping it is? But realistically I do think it is better," she says.

"If this trial works to switch off rheumatoid arthritis that would be wonderful.

"It's a privilege to be part of something that is actually quite a leap forward - if they get it right."

The outcome of the Newcastle work is being widely monitored as it could have huge implications for the 18 million rheumatoid arthritis patients worldwide.

Prof Isaacs said, if its successful, the research could also have implications for other autoimmune diseases such as diabetes or multiple sclerosis.

"It's an area of research that we describe as re-education of the immune system.

The first two trials are small - in total about 32 patients have been involved - and more research is needed, but if it shows signs of success another, larger trial will follow.

Even if all goes to plan and the treatment is shown to re-educate the immune system, it may still be another five to 10 years before patients are able to access it.

But Prof Isaacs, who has dedicated his career to the condition, said it would make him and his team immensely proud to have developed the treatment.