Understanding RA
Your immune system is a complex network of cells, tissues, and organs that work together to defend the body against attacks by "foreign invaders." There are a number of different cells found within the immune system that play a role in rheumatoid arthritis.
T cells: Another part of the RA story
When T cells are activated (or turned "on" by another cell), they actually start a chain of events that is thought to lead to the inflammation, pain, and damage of RA. The activated T cells begin to multiply and produce special proteins called cytokines (pronounced sigh-ta-kines). Some important cytokines in the RA process are tumor necrosis factor (TNF) interleukin-1 (IL-1) and interleukin-2 (IL-2). These cytokines are believed to be some of the factors that drive the inflammation process of RA. Modulating the activation of these T cells, and the resulting cytokine production that follows, may be helpful in treating RA.
The B cell is another type of cell believed to be related to RA development. B cells are an essential part of the adaptive immune system. Their main function is to produce antibodies. B cell activity may increase with RA, therefore producing more antibodies. These B-cell-produced antibodies may contribute to RA inflammation. Studies in B-cell-depletion therapies have shown beneficial effects in RA patients.
