Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 30, 2026

Analyzing Murine Schwann Cell Development Along Growing Axons
Published on: November 21, 2012
Nerve growth factor: A key local regulator in the pathogenesis of inflammatory arthritis
Siba P Raychaudhuri1, Smriti K Raychaudhuri, Kondala R Atkuri
1University of California School of Medicine, Davis, VA Medical Center, Sacramento, California, USA. sraychaudhuri@ucdavis.edu
Objective:
The effect of nerve growth factor (NGF) and its receptor (NGFR) in inflammatory diseases is a novel research field. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of NGF/NGFR in human T cell subpopulations and fibroblast-like synovial cells (FLS) and examine its pathophysiologic significance in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
Methods:
Expression of NGF/NGFR was examined in synovial fluid (SF), FLS, peripheral blood (PB)-derived T cells, and SF-derived T cells from patients with PsA, RA, and osteoarthritis (OA). NGF levels were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. NGF-induced T cell/FLS proliferation was examined by MTT assay. Low-affinity (p75)/high-affinity (TrkA) NGFR expression was determined by high-dimensional fluorescence-activated cell sorting. A monochlorobimane assay was used to determine the effect of NGF on T cell survival.
Results:
Levels of NGF were higher in SF samples from PsA and RA patients as compared to SF samples from OA patients. NGF-induced FLS proliferation was more marked in PsA and RA patients. TrkA was up-regulated on activated SF T cells from PsA (mean ± SD 22 ± 6.2%) and RA (8 ± 1.3%) patients, whereas in SF samples from OA patients, TrkA+CD3+ T cells were not detectable. NGF induced the proliferation of PB T cells, induced the phosphorylation of Akt in activated T cells, and consistent with known pAkt activity, inhibited tumor necrosis factor α-induced cell death in these T cells.
Conclusion:
Based on our findings, we propose a model in which NGF secreted by FLS into PsA and RA synovium promotes the survival of activated autoreactive T cells as well as FLS proliferation. Thus, NGF has the potential to sustain the chronic inflammatory cascades of arthritis of autoimmune origin.
Related Concept Videos
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
T Cell Types and Functions
Th1 cells stimulate dendritic cells to express necessary co-stimulatory molecules on their surfaces for...
Inflammatory Response
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,...
NF-kB-dependent Signaling Pathway
NF-κB-dependent Signaling Mechanism
The heterodimer of NF-κB...
Acute Inflammation III: Local and Systemic Effects
Chronic Inflammation: Introduction