T cells in psoriatic arthritis

Curr Rheumatol Rep. 2007 Dec;9(6):437-41. doi: 10.1007/s11926-007-0071-5.

Abstract

Psoriatic arthritis is characterized by chronic inflammation of the skin and synovial joint. T cells are abundant in the inflamed joint and skin. Disease susceptibility is associated with major histocompatibility complex, which presents antigens to T cells. T cells in the synovial joints have an activated phenotype and demonstrate selective T-cell receptor usage suggestive of oligoclonal expansions. Taken together, these facts suggest that psoriatic arthritis is driven by antigen or autoantigen-driven T-cell activation. The therapeutic benefit of anti-T-cell agents further supports an important pathogenic role for T cells in persistent synovial inflammation and joint damage in psoriatic arthritis.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Arthritis, Psoriatic / immunology*
  • Arthritis, Psoriatic / pathology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / pathology
  • Humans
  • Joints / immunology
  • Joints / pathology
  • Skin / immunology
  • Skin / pathology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / pathology