The role of TNF-α in rheumatoid arthritis: a focus on regulatory T cells

The autoimmune disorder rheumatoid arthritis (RA) causes chronic inflammation and destruction of joints. T cells are a predominant component of the synovial environment in RA, however the functional role of these cells is not yet fully understood. This is in part due to the fact that the balance and importance of the relation of T_regs with T-effector cells in RA is still under investigation. The current treatment regimen for this debilitating disease focuses on controlling symptoms and preventing further joint damage through the use of therapies which affect different areas of the immune system at the synovium. One of the main therapies involves Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNF-α) inhibitors. In the RA immune-environment, TNF-α has been shown to have an influential and extensive but as yet poorly understood effect on T_reg function in vivo, and undoubtably an important role in the treatment of RA. Interestingly, the high levels of TNF-α found in RA patients appear to interfere with the mechanisms controlling the suppressive function of T_regs. Relevance for patients: This review focuses on the conflicting literature available regarding the role played by T_regs in RA and the impact of TNF-α and anti-TNF-α therapies on T_regs in this scenario. Individuals suffering from RA can benefit from better insight of the treatment mechanisms of the immunologic processes which occur throughout this disease, as current treatments for RA focus on several different areas of the immune system at the synovial compartment.