New perspective on the treatment of rheumatic arthritis based on “strengthening body resistance (Fú Zhèng)” in the theory of co-inhibitory receptor-regulated T-cell immunity

Abstract

Co-inhibitory receptors serve as crucial regulators of T-cell function, playing a pivotal role in modulating the delicate balance between immune tolerance and autoimmunity. Initially identified in autoimmune disease models, co-inhibitory receptors, including CTLA-4, PD-1, TIM-3, and TIGIT, were found to be integral to immune regulation. Their blockade or absence in these models resulted in the induction or exacerbation of autoimmune diseases. Additionally, scholars have observed that co-inhibitory receptors on lymphocytes hold the potential to influence the prognosis in the context of chronic inflammation. Consequently, the blocking of co-suppressor receptors has emerged as a novel therapeutic approach for inhibiting refractory inflammatory diseases, particularly rheumatoid arthritis. From the standpoint of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis based on the “strengthening body resistance (Fú Zhèng)” theory can be construed as the regulation of co-suppressor receptors to modulate the body’s immune function in combating chronic inflammation. This article provides a succinct overview of the role of co-suppressor receptors in anti-inflammatory processes and explores the research prospects of co-suppressor receptor intervention in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The exploration integrates the “strengthening body resistance (Fú Zhèng)” theory with relevant Chinese medicine formulations.