Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 6, 2026

07:37
An Adoptive Transfer Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Mice
Published on: June 6, 2025
Dendritic cell subsets: their roles in rheumatoid arthritis
1Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, Division of Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. c.lebre@amc.uva.nl
Acta Reumatologica Portuguesa
|March 18, 2008
Summary
Dendritic cells (DC) impact various immune cells and responses. This review examines DC subsets in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the effects of TNF-alpha blockade, highlighting their potential for immunotherapy.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Dendritic cells (DCs) are crucial immune regulators influencing T cells, B cells, and NK cells.
- DCs play a significant role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
- Understanding DC subsets is key to unraveling autoimmune disease mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the functional characterization of DC subsets in human RA.
- To discuss the impact of TNF-alpha blockade on DC phenotype and function.
- To explore the potential of tolerogenic DCs in ameliorating experimental arthritis and their implications for RA immunotherapy.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on dendritic cells in human RA and experimental arthritis models.
- Analysis of data on DC subset function and phenotype.
- Examination of the effects of TNF-alpha blockade on DCs.
Main Results:
- DCs influence multiple lymphocyte classes and T cell responses.
- Specific roles of DC subsets in human RA and collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) require further elucidation.
- TNF-alpha blockade affects DC phenotype and function.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to establish the precise functions of DC subsets in RA pathogenesis.
- Modulating DC function offers potential for developing novel immunotherapies for RA.
- Understanding DC-mediated tolerance is crucial for autoimmune disease treatment.
Related Concept Videos
T Cell Types and Functions
When T cells with CD4 markers are activated, they give rise to two types of effector cells: helper T cells and regulatory T cells. Meanwhile, T cells with CD8 markers differentiate into effector cytotoxic T cells. The differentiation of CD4 T cells into helper T cell subsets, such as Th1, Th2, and Th17 cells, is dependent on the antigen type, antigen-presenting cell, and regulatory cytokines.
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
T cells are integral to our adaptive immune system, recognizing and effectively responding to foreign antigens. T cell activation and clonal selection are pivotal in orchestrating this immune response. This article elucidates these mechanisms, detailing the roles of cluster of differentiation (CD) markers, major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecules, costimulatory signals, and the process of clonal selection.
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
Several cytokine receptors have tightly bound Janus kinase or JAK proteins attached at their cytosolic tail. Small signaling molecules such as cytokines, growth hormones, or prolactins bind to the cytokine receptors and initiate their dimerization. The dimerization brings the cytosolic JAKs together that trans-phosphorylate and activates each other. The activated JAKs now phosphorylate cytosolic tails of the cytokine receptors, which serve as binding sites for adaptor proteins such as SH2...
B Cell Activation and Differentiation
The adaptive immune response, a sophisticated defense mechanism, relies on the activation and differentiation of B lymphocytes, or B cells. These processes enable our bodies to mount a tailored response against specific pathogens such as bacteria, free virus particles, toxins, and parasites.
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
When naive B cells encounter a specific antigen that can bind to the B cell receptor (BCR) on their surface, they undergo sensitization to respond to the antigen's presence. Sensitization begins with...
Antigen Presenting Cells
The immune system is a complex network of cells and molecules that protects the body from foreign invaders. T cells, a type of white blood cell, play a crucial role in this process. They recognize and attack foreign substances, such as pathogens, that enter the body.
T cells require the help of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which process foreign antigens into smaller fragments that can be recognized by T cells. These APCs are highly specialized cells that efficiently internalize antigens...
T cells require the help of antigen-presenting cells (APCs), which process foreign antigens into smaller fragments that can be recognized by T cells. These APCs are highly specialized cells that efficiently internalize antigens...
Diversity of Antigen Receptors
Antigen receptors are essential components of the immune system crucial in defending the body against foreign invaders. These receptors are present on the surface of B and T cells, enabling them to recognize antigens and mount an appropriate immune response.
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...
Before encountering any antigen, lymphocytes express these receptors. On B cells, the antigen receptor is a membrane-bound antibody molecule called BCR; on T cells, it is a T cell receptor or TCR. B and T cell receptors are composed of two...
