ABSTRACT
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disease that progresses to destruction of bone and cartilage in the peripheral joints. The pathologic changes in the tissues include, but are not limited to, increased production of synovial fluid, extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells, proliferation of cells in the synovial membrane, tissue destruction, tissue repair, and fibrosis. The most compelling evidence for the contribution of T lymphocytes and their products in the pathogenesis of arthritis is the ability of T cell-specific immunosuppressive therapy to ameliorate the disease process. The role of T cells in arthritis is clear, even though certain anticipated cytokines are absent within the synovium of patients. Monocytes are recruited into the synovial tissue, where they become activated, differentiate into macrophages, and participate in the synovial inflammatory response.
