Neutrophils in rheumatoid arthritis: More than simple final effectors

© 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Rheumatoid arthritis is the most common inflammatory joint disease. The etiopathogenesis of this condition has been classically explained by a T cell-driven process. However, recent studies have highlighted the possible contribution of neutrophils for the early phases of RA physiopathology. These cells are phagocytic leukocytes that play crucial roles in the acute defense against pathogens while modulating the function of other immune cells and contributing to the perpetuation of an initial inflammatory response. The herein article reviews recent progresses in the understanding of the immunopathology of RA with a special emphasis on the role of neutrophils.
This work was supported by a fellowship from Fundação para a Ciência e a Tecnologia (FCT) SFRH/BD/40513/2007 and partially supported by a grant from Sociedade Portuguesa de Reumatologia and FCT grant PTDC/SAU-OSM/73449/2006.