title: Cells of the synovium in rheumatoid arthritis. T lymphocytes.
abstract: Recent findings have substantiated the importance of T lymphocytes to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Here, we review emerging data regarding genetic predisposition, spontaneous animal models of arthritis, and cell-cell interactions that implicate T cells as driving synovial inflammation and joint destruction. Information regarding the proinflammatory role of interleukin-17-producing T cells and the functional state of regulatory T cells both in animal models and in patients with RA is also discussed. In light of the overwhelming evidence that disrupted T-cell homeostasis greatly contributes to joint pathology in RA, the therapeutic potential of targeting activators of pro-inflammatory T cells or their products is compelling.
authors.affiliation: Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Rheumatology and Rheumatic Diseases Core Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA.
authors.forename: Steven K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Lundy
authors.forename: Sujata
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sarkar
authors.forename: Laura A
authors.initials: LA
authors.lastname: Tesmer
authors.forename: David A
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Fox
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D013583:Synovial Membrane / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*; D016176:T-Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000276:immunology / Q000473:pathology*