[Cytokines and rheumatoid polyarthritis]

Cytokines play a role in the chronicity of inflammation, the formation of lesions and the persistence of the immune response observed in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The dysregulation of the cytokines observed in RA is of great immunopathological importance. There is an increase in the macrophage-derived cytokines such as interleukin 1, the tumor necrosis factor alpha and interleukin 6. At the same time, there is a decrease in the lymphocyte-derived cytokines such as interleukin 2, interferon gamma and interleukin 4. Certain growth factors (transforming growth factor beta, platelet derived growth factor, granulocyte macrophage-colony stimulating factor) also play a role in RA. The study of the role of these various cytokines in the formation and maintenance of articular and extra-articular lesions in RA is carried out.