State-of-the-art: rheumatoid arthritis.
The understanding of the pathogenesis and optimal therapeutics for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has advanced remarkably over the last decade. This review highlights these key advances, particularly the outcomes of genome-wide scans which have provided an increasingly robust appraisal of the complex genetics that underpin RA. Such observations are placed in pathogenetic context, particularly concerning the breach of tolerance that presages synovitis and the mechanisms that subserve chronicity. The key therapeutic strategies and treatment agents, both conventional and biological, now available to effectively manage the disease are described. Throughout the review, emphasis is placed on unanswered questions and challenges in this exciting field.
Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, Glasgow Biomedical Research Centre, University of Glasgow, UK. iain.mcinnes@glasgow.ac.uk
Iain B
IB
McInnes
James R
JR
O'Dell
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D001688:Biological Products / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015415:Biomarkers / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D011379:Prognosis; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors
D018501:Antirheumatic Agents; D001688:Biological Products; D015415:Biomarkers; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha