Regulation of neutrophil pro-inflammatory functions sheds new light on the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis

Area of Science:

• Immunology
• Rheumatology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains a significant medical challenge despite advances in treatment.
• Current therapies improve quality of life but do not reverse tissue damage and can cause side effects.
• The variable clinical course of RA complicates prognosis and treatment strategies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent findings on the multifaceted roles of neutrophils in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).
• To highlight neutrophils' impact on RA pathogenesis, including inflammation and disease progression.
• To explore novel therapeutic targets based on neutrophil functions and regulation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent studies on neutrophil functions in RA.
• Analysis of neutrophil-derived factors like S100A8/A9 protein complex.
• Investigation into NETosis, neutrophil heterogeneity, plasticity, miRNAs, and epigenetic markers.

Main Results:

• Neutrophils significantly influence RA pathogenesis through various mechanisms.
• The release of S100A8/A9 protein complex by neutrophils promotes RA inflammation.
• NETosis is crucial for RA progression and development.
• Neutrophil heterogeneity and plasticity, influenced by miRNAs and epigenetic markers, are key factors in RA.

Conclusions:

• Neutrophils represent promising therapeutic targets for rheumatoid arthritis.
• Targeting neutrophil functions, such as S100A8/A9 release and NETosis, could lead to effective RA treatments.
• Understanding neutrophil plasticity and regulatory mechanisms like miRNAs and epigenetics is vital for developing novel RA therapies.