[Tissue retention of T cells as a therapeutic target in rheumatoid arthritis].

Autoreactive T cells are instrumental for the induction and chronification of autoimmune diseases. While immigration of T cells into inflamed tissue is strongly enhanced during acute inflammatory phases, retention of antigen specific T cells rather than subsequent recruitment of recirculating effector cells appears to contribute to the inflammatory infiltrate seen during chronic inflammation. Patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis also show accumulation of oligoclonal T cells within the inflamed synovia, where environmental signals seem to promote the prolonged survival of these chronically activated T cells. The survival signals and mechanisms controlling retention of T cells within the inflamed synovia are poorly characterized. However, the specific interference with these mechanisms could be a therapeutic approach in chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis that are accompanied by a strong local accumulation of immune cells.