Rheumatoid Arthritis Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Rheumatoid Arthritis, including details on treatment, symptoms, causes, medication.

Inflammation in juvenile idiopathic arthritis.

Sullivan KE

University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Division of Allergy and Immunology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, 34th Street and Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA. sullivak@mail.med.upenn.edu

Inflammation evolved to aid in the clearance of microorganisms. In pediatric arthritides, the inflammation persists and causes damage to the joint. The contribution of the innate immune system to inflammation is significant and can be exploited therapeutically. Although cells of the adaptive immune system such as T cells and B cells participate in the disease process, many of the features of arthritis are directly attributable to inflammatory mediators. Recent advances in the understanding of these processes have led to dramatic improvements in treatment.

Published 11 April 2005 in Pediatr Clin North Am, 52(2): 335-57, v.
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