Mast cells in autoantibody responses and arthritis.
A pathogenic role for autoantibodies, immune complexes and mast cells has long been hypothesized in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Recent studies demonstrating novel RA-associated autoantibodies and the efficacy of B cell-directed therapy have led to a renewed interest in the role of humoral immunity in RA. Mouse models of arthritis have provided further support for a direct pathogenic role of autoantibodies in the development of synovial inflammation. Interestingly, in antibody-mediated K/BxN serum transfer arthritis, mast cells have now been identified as a critical cellular mediator of autoantibody-driven joint inflammation. Here, we focus on the role of autoantibodies and mast cells in murine and human inflammatory arthritis.
Nigrovic
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PA
Division of Rheumatology, Immunology and Allergy, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
Lee
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D000818:Animals; D001168:Arthritis / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D001323:Autoantibodies / Q000276:immunology*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D006801:Humans; D007074:Immunoglobulin G / Q000276:immunology; D008407:Mast Cells / Q000276:immunology*; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000276:immunology; D011961:Receptors, Fc / Q000276:immunology; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology
D001323:Autoantibodies; D007074:Immunoglobulin G; D011961:Receptors, Fc