title: The draining lymph node in rheumatoid arthritis: current concepts and research perspectives.
abstract: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease of unknown aetiology, leading to progressive damage of bone and cartilage with functional impairment and disability. Whilst the synovial membrane represents the epicentre of the immune-inflammatory process, there is growing evidence indicating the potential involvement of additional anatomical compartments, such as the lung, bone marrow, and secondary lymphoid tissues. Draining lymph nodes represent the elective site for tissue immune-surveillance, for the generation of adaptive immune responses and a candidate compartment for the maintenance of peripheral tolerance. Despite the precise role of the juxta- and extra-articular lymph node stations in the pathogenesis of RA remaining poorly defined, several lines of research exploiting new technological approaches are now focusing on their assessment as a potential new source of pathobiologic information, biomarkers, and complementary therapeutic targets. In this review we present an updated overview of the main concepts driving lymph node research in RA, highlighting the most relevant findings, current hypothesis, and translational perspectives.
authors: Rheumatology and Translational Immunology Research Laboratories (LaRIT), Division of Rheumatology, IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo Foundation/University of Pavia, Piazzale Golgi 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
authors: Francesca
authors: F
authors: Benaglio
authors: Rheumatology and Translational Immunology Research Laboratories (LaRIT), Division of Rheumatology, IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo Foundation/University of Pavia, Piazzale Golgi 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
authors: Barbara
authors: 0000-0003-2296-2094
authors: B
authors: Vitolo
authors: Rheumatology and Translational Immunology Research Laboratories (LaRIT), Division of Rheumatology, IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo Foundation/University of Pavia, Piazzale Golgi 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
authors: Martina
authors: 0000-0003-0220-2020
authors: M
authors: Scarabelli
authors: Rheumatology and Translational Immunology Research Laboratories (LaRIT), Division of Rheumatology, IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo Foundation/University of Pavia, Piazzale Golgi 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
authors: Elisa
authors: E
authors: Binda
authors: Rheumatology and Translational Immunology Research Laboratories (LaRIT), Division of Rheumatology, IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo Foundation/University of Pavia, Piazzale Golgi 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
authors: Serena
authors: 0000-0002-5396-7077
authors: S
authors: Bugatti
authors: Rheumatology and Translational Immunology Research Laboratories (LaRIT), Division of Rheumatology, IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo Foundation/University of Pavia, Piazzale Golgi 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
authors: Roberto
authors: R
authors: Caporali
authors: Rheumatology and Translational Immunology Research Laboratories (LaRIT), Division of Rheumatology, IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo Foundation/University of Pavia, Piazzale Golgi 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
authors: Carlomaurizio
authors: C
authors: Montecucco
authors: Rheumatology and Translational Immunology Research Laboratories (LaRIT), Division of Rheumatology, IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo Foundation/University of Pavia, Piazzale Golgi 2, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
authors: Antonio
authors: 0000-0002-9743-6008
authors: A
authors: Manzo
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000473:pathology*