[How do T-cells become activated in joints?].
Activated CD4+ T-cells are found in joints of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and are involved in the joint destroying autoimmune response. Besides proinflammatory cytokine production T-cells are indispensable for the activation of B-cells, the so-called T-cell help for B-cells. However, the recognition of autoantigens by T-cells seems of utmost importance for the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Selective inhibition of this process is therefore one of the most interesting therapeutic targets for the future.
Pierer
M
M
Medizinische Klinik II, Universität Leipzig, Deutschland. Matthias.Pierer@medizin.uni-leipzig.de
Wagner
U
U
D000818:Animals; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans; D007596:Joints / Q000276:immunology*; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000276:immunology*; D018448:Models, Immunological; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*