CD4 T cells in the rheumatoid joint are oligoclonally activated and change during the course of disease

Article Abstract:

T cells involved in the inflammatory process in joints of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients appear to respond to different antigens over the course of time. T cells may be generally activated by inflammation, in which case T-cell receptors of many different kinds will be found, or they may be activated by a specific antigen, in which case different cells will have receptors for the same antigen. Three RA patients had joint fluid aspirated from their diseased knees. One patient had a second aspiration three months later and another had one nine months later. CD4 T cells were isolated and the exact nature of the T cell's receptors was determined. A number of cells with the same receptor type were found, which suggests that the T cell is responding to a specific antigen. Moreover, the dominant types varied over time, which suggests that multiple types of antigens are triggering the inflammatory response.

CD4 lymphocytes

---

Analysis of T cell receptor V alpha polymorphisms in rheumatoid arthritis

Article Abstract:

There appears to be no strong association between T-type white blood cell receptor (TCR) genes and rheumatoid arthritis. TCR gene variants have been implicated in other autoimmune diseases. Researchers tested 360 patients with rheumatoid arthritis and 197 healthy volunteers for variants of TCR V alpha genes, and found no strong pattern linking the genes to the disease. A minor influence may have been present.

T cell antigen receptors, T cells, Genetic polymorphisms

---

A measure of limited joint motion and deformity correlates with HLA-DRB1 and DQB1 alleles in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Article Abstract:

The authors point out that while rheumatoid arthritis usually makes rapid and far-reaching progression during the first years after it begins, some 14-20% of the patients show very little deterioration after many years. They point to genetic specifics as the source of the variability of disease progression and explain their reasoning.

Joint diseases

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: New developments in the treatment of head lice. Principles of early intervention in the treatment of psychosis
• Abstracts: Changes in membrane enzymes and glycosphingolipids in lymphocytes from HIV-1-infected and noninfected intravenous drug users
• Abstracts: HIV care: a capitated alternative. Long-term therapeutic strategies in HIV
• Abstracts: Joint space width measures cartilage thickness in osteoarthritis of the knee: high resolution plain film and double contrast macroradiographic investigation
• Abstracts: Characterisation of anticytoplasmic antibodies and their clinical associations. Rheumatoid factors: where are we now?

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.