Regulatory T cells in rheumatoid arthritis

Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2008 Oct;10(5):405-12. doi: 10.1007/s11926-008-0065-y.

Abstract

Regulatory T cells have attracted substantial interest in connection with their role in controlling autoimmunity and the possibility that they could be used therapeutically. Here, we summarize the current understanding of the several subsets of regulatory T cells and defects in their function in rheumatoid arthritis. In evaluating the possibility of using regulatory T cells to treat rheumatoid arthritis, the relationship between these cells and the development and function of Th17 cells must be understood fully.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / immunology*
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / metabolism
  • Arthritis, Rheumatoid / pathology
  • Autoimmunity / physiology*
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Interleukin-17 / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocyte Subsets / physiology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / metabolism
  • T-Lymphocytes, Regulatory / pathology

Substances

  • FOXP3 protein, human
  • Forkhead Transcription Factors
  • Interleukin-17