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Effector T cells in rheumatoid arthritis: Lessons from animal models
Author(s) -
Alzabin Saba,
Williams Richard O.
Publication year - 2011
Publication title -
febs letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.593
H-Index - 257
eISSN - 1873-3468
pISSN - 0014-5793
DOI - 10.1016/j.febslet.2011.04.034
Subject(s) - effector , rheumatoid arthritis , immunology , immune system , arthritis , inflammation , cd8 , cytotoxic t cell , autoimmune disease , autoimmunity , t cell , medicine , biology , antibody , in vitro , genetics
The development of an immune response to self antigens drives naive T cells to differentiate into subsets of CD8 + and CD4 + effector cells including T H 1, T H 2, cells and the more recently described T H 17, and regulatory T cells (T reg ). Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that engages an uncontrolled influx of inflammatory cells to the joints, eventually leading to joint damage. The role that effector T cells play in the local or systemic maintenance of, or protection against, inflammation and subsequent joint damage is now becoming better understood through the use of animal models. In this review, we will explore the different animal models of RA, and their contribution to elucidating the role that effector T cells play in the regulation, induction, and maintenance of inflammatory joint disease. This understanding will aid in the design of more effective therapeutic strategies for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune disorders.