Role of Natural Killer T cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Recent data indicate that autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis {RA) might in part result from the loss of active self-control of autoreactive T cells. In this thesis, the involvement of a specific regulatory T cell population, Natural Killer T (NKT) cells, was examined in RA. In addition, the regulatory potential of NKT cells was assessed in vitro. ... In summary, all three immunosuppressive drugs tested can inhibit NKT cell expansion. MTX and MP affect the NKT cell cytokine profile and might have a supplemental anti-inflammatory effect by the deviation of the cytokine profile of NKT cells towards a Th2 phenotype. However, our in vitro data should be supplemented with pre- and post- treatment studies in patients to permit a detailed view of the effect of immunosuppressive drugs on NKT cell function in vivo.