Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 5, 2026
07:37
An Adoptive Transfer Model of Rheumatoid Arthritis in Mice
Published on: June 6, 2025
Immune-mediated pathways in chronic inflammatory arthritis.
Claire L Gorman1, Andrew P Cope
1The Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Faculty of Medicine, Imperial College, 1 Aspenlea Road, Hammersmith, London W6 8LH, UK. c.gorman@imperial.ac.uk <c.gorman@imperial.ac.uk>
Best Practice & Research. Clinical Rheumatology
|May 6, 2008
Summary
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease with unknown causes. Recent breakthroughs have significantly improved how RA patients are treated.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Rheumatology
- Inflammation
Background:
- Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a primary model of chronic inflammatory arthropathy.
- The exact cause of RA remains unknown.
- Significant advancements in understanding RA have emerged recently.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent critical advances in the understanding of rheumatoid arthritis.
- To discuss the impact of these advances on patient treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on rheumatoid arthritis.
- Analysis of the impact of new findings on clinical practice.
Main Results:
- Key breakthroughs in RA pathogenesis and understanding have been identified.
- These advances have demonstrably improved treatment strategies for RA patients.
Conclusions:
- Recent scientific progress has enhanced the understanding of rheumatoid arthritis.
- This improved knowledge is directly translating into better therapeutic outcomes for individuals with RA.
Related Concept Videos
01:24T 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...
01:12Chronic Inflammation: Introduction
Chronic inflammation is a prolonged, dysregulated immune response that persists for weeks to years when the inciting stimulus is difficult to eradicate or when self‑antigens drive ongoing reactivity. Morphologically, it is defined by mononuclear cell infiltration, progressive tissue destruction, and concurrent attempts at healing via angiogenesis and fibrosis. Compared with acute inflammation, edema is less prominent while cellular infiltration predominates; triggers include persistent...
01:25Inflammatory Bowel Disease III: Crohn's Disease
Crohn’s disease is a chronic, relapsing form of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by segmental, transmural inflammation that can affect any part of the gastrointestinal tract. Its pathogenesis arises from a combination of genetic susceptibility, environmental exposures, epithelial barrier dysfunction, and immune dysregulation. Together, these factors lead to an exaggerated immune response against components of the gut microbiome.Genetic and Environmental InfluencesMultiple genetic...
01:20The 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...
01:28Inflammatory Response
An inflammatory response is a localized, nonspecific immune reaction that occurs when a tissue is injured. It is characterized by redness, swelling, heat, and pain, which are commonly called the cardinal signs and symptoms of inflammation. Inflammation can sometimes result in a loss of function.
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
Inflammation can be triggered by various stimuli, such as impact, abrasion, chemical irritation, infections, and extreme hot or cold temperatures. These can damage cells and connective tissue fibers,...
01:29Drugs for Treatment of Crohn's Disease in IBD Using Immunomodulatory Agents
Crohn's disease is an inflammatory bowel disorder marked by chronic inflammation of the GI tract. Various treatment strategies for Crohn's disease are employed, such as immunomodulatory agents, glucocorticoids, and biologics or anti-TNF therapy. Azathioprine (Imuran), a commonly used immunomodulatory drug for Crohn's disease, is converted in the body to mercaptopurine, which inhibits purine biosynthesis and cell proliferation. Both are utilized in severe cases of Inflammatory Bowel Disease...