The finding by researchers at the University of Melbourne could revolutionise the treatment for arthritis in the form of a pill which is now a step closer.
Scientists have discovered a 'master molecule' that acts as a messenger, helping fuel cells at the site of inflammation, the 'Daily Express' reported.
The protein GM-CSF is unique to arthritis and plays a role in the defective immune system response that leads to the disorder.
Experts believe that blocking the action of the vital protein could lead to a new treatment for the painful inflammatory disease from which at least 10 million people in Britain are blighted.
Not only can blocking GM-CSF, which is also known as Leukine, suppress the actual disease, it can also reduce pain in sufferers, said Professor John Hamilton who led the research at the University of Melbourne in Australia.