Pathogenesis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis

To provide an overview of the most recent updates in the pathogenesis of juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA).

Recent genetic studies on the pathogenesis of JIA have revolved around using in silico multiomic analyses to identify genetic variants that may play a role in the pathogenesis of JIA. Genome wide association studies (GWAS) have provided bulk-RNA and single cell-RNA sequencing datasets to identify groups of enhanced genes, signaling pathways, and other genetic variants. These data have led to the exploration of processes that regulate T-cell receptor signaling and T-cell differentiation, as well as genes linked to interferon-gamma signaling. Immune dysregulation is a major driver of JIA pathogenesis and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) are emerging as contributors to disease progression. The contribution of immune cells to the microenvironment in the inflamed joints of patients with JIA may hold the key to how inflammation is regulated and how the immune response from these cells contributes to disease progression.

This review will focus on emerging insights from large scale multiomic studies, which reveal pathways involved in JIA pathogenesis. In addition, recent studies have identified immune dysregulation, especially in the microenvironment of the inflamed joint.