Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prototype for a criterion-defined inflammatory disease, for which the aetiology and initial molecular pathogenesis has been elusive for a long time. We describe in this Review how studies on the interplay between specific immunity, alongside genetic and environmental predisposing factors, provide new tools to understand the molecular basis of distinct subsets of the disease. A particular emphasis is on the possibility that pathogenic immune reactions might be initiated at other sites than the joints, and that the lungs could harbour such sites. New data strengthen this concept, showing that local immunity towards citrullinated proteins and accompanying inflammation might be present in the lungs early during disease development. This progress makes RA an interesting case for the future development of therapies that might be directed against disease-inducing immunity even before inflammation and destruction of joints has begun.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.