The role of TNF-alpha in rheumatoid arthritis: a focus on regulatory T cells.
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Farrugia M, Baron B
The role of TNF-alpha in rheumatoid arthritis: a focus on regulatory T cells.
J Clin Transl Res. 2016 Sep 15;2(3):84-90. eCollection 2016 Nov 10.
- PubMed ID
- 30873466 [ View in PubMed]
- Abstract
The autoimmune disorder rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes chronic inflammation and destruction of joints. T cells are a predominant component of the synovial environment in RA, however the functional role of these cells is not yet fully understood. This is in part due to the fact that the balance and importance of the relation of Tregs with T-effector cells in RA is still under investigation. The current treatment regimen for this debilitating disease focuses on controlling symptoms and preventing further joint damage through the use of therapies which affect different areas of the immune system at the synovium. One of the main therapies involves Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibitors. In the RA immune-environment, TNF-alpha has been shown to have an influential and extensive but as yet poorly understood effect on Treg function in vivo, and undoubtably an important role in the treatment of RA. Interestingly, the high levels of TNF-alpha found in RA patients appear to interfere with the mechanisms controlling the suppressive function of Tregs. Relevance for patients: This review focuses on the conflicting literature available regarding the role played by Tregs in RA and the impact of TNF-alpha and anti-TNF-alpha therapies on Tregs in this scenario. Individuals suffering from RA can benefit from better insight of the treatment mechanisms of the immunologic processes which occur throughout this disease, as current treatments for RA focus on several different areas of the immune system at the synovial compartment.
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interactions in your softwareEtanerceptAdalimumab The risk or severity of infection can be increased when Adalimumab is combined with Etanercept. GolimumabAdalimumab The risk or severity of infection can be increased when Adalimumab is combined with Golimumab. RituximabAdalimumab The risk or severity of infection can be increased when Adalimumab is combined with Rituximab. SarilumabAdalimumab The risk or severity of infection can be increased when Adalimumab is combined with Sarilumab.