On the connection between HLA and rheumatoid arthritis

Abstract

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease targeting the synovial joints. Several factors have been shown to be implicated in the onset and disease progression, among also genetic factors. HLA class II molecules have been implicated in the so called 'second hit' leading to disease onset. The implication of HLA class II molecules suggests that CD4+ T cells are involved in the disease development. In this thesis, several aspects of CD4+ T cells within RA are investigated to get a glimpse of what their role could be in disease onset.