Dendritic cells in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis.
The cause of rheumatoid arthritis is unknown. It appears that abnormal or overstimulated cell-mediated immune mechanisms are operating. Dendritic cells, with their potent antigen presenting and immunostimulatory properties, have been found in increased numbers of rheumatoid synovial fluids and membranes. It is postulated that these cells play a key role in inducing and perpetuating the immune response with subsequent synovial proliferation and joint destruction.
March
L M
LM
Sydney University Department of Medicine, Royal North Shore Hospital, N.S.W., Australia.
D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000276:immunology*; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000276:immunology*; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D013582:Synovial Fluid / Q000276:immunology; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000276:immunology