The role of chemokines in inflammatory joint disease

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the elicitation and activation of a number of leukocyte populations within both the synovial space and joint tissue. The recruited leukocytes subsequently play an instrumental role in synovial cell proliferation, pannus formation, and bone erosion. Although it is know that leukocytes are important participants in the evolving joint pathology, the mechanism responsible for the successful elicitation of cells to the joint is not clear. A number of studies have identified an association of specific cytokines, including chemokines, with active arthritis, but longitudinal analyses of cytokine expression and the causal role of these mediators have not been defined. Animal models and cell culture systems have proved useful in identifying the expression of various cytokines during the maintenance of chronic joint inflammation. In addition, animal models have provided important information regarding the kinetic production and contribution of specific mediators to the development of experimental arthritis. These studies provide insights into the potential mechanisms for leukocyte involvement in inflammatory joint disease.