Neutrophils in rheumatoid arthritis: more than simple final effectors

R Cascao, HS Rosário, MM Souto-Carneiro… - Autoimmunity …, 2010 - Elsevier
Autoimmunity reviews, 2010Elsevier
Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common inflammatory joint disease. The etiopathogenesis
of this condition has been classically explained by a T cell-driven process. However, recent
studies have highlighted the possible contribution of neutrophils for the early phases of RA
physiopathology. These cells are phagocytic leukocytes that play crucial roles in the acute
defense against pathogens while modulating the function of other immune cells and
contributing to the perpetuation of an initial inflammatory response. The herein article …
Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common inflammatory joint disease. The etiopathogenesis of this condition has been classically explained by a T cell-driven process. However, recent studies have highlighted the possible contribution of neutrophils for the early phases of RA physiopathology. These cells are phagocytic leukocytes that play crucial roles in the acute defense against pathogens while modulating the function of other immune cells and contributing to the perpetuation of an initial inflammatory response. The herein article reviews recent progresses in the understanding of the immunopathology of RA with a special emphasis on the role of neutrophils.
Elsevier