Rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis primarily involves activation of which immune cells?

Rheumatoid arthritis pathogenesis primarily involves activation of which immune cells?

• A. B and T cells
• B. Neutrophils
• C. Eosinophils
• D. Platelets

Answer: (A)

Rheumatoid arthritis is driven by the adaptive immune response, with both B and T lymphocytes playing central roles. Autoreactive CD4+ T helper cells become activated and secrete cytokines (like TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1) that activate macrophages and synovial fibroblasts, fueling chronic synovitis and pannus formation. B cells contribute by producing autoantibodies such as rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP, which form immune complexes and amplify inflammation, while also presenting antigen to T cells to sustain the response. Neutrophils, eosinophils, and platelets participate in and modulate inflammation, but they are not the primary initiators of the autoimmune process.

Rheumatoid arthritis is driven by the adaptive immune response, with both B and T lymphocytes playing central roles. Autoreactive CD4+ T helper cells become activated and secrete cytokines (like TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1) that activate macrophages and synovial fibroblasts, fueling chronic synovitis and pannus formation. B cells contribute by producing autoantibodies such as rheumatoid factor and anti-CCP, which form immune complexes and amplify inflammation, while also presenting antigen to T cells to sustain the response. Neutrophils, eosinophils, and platelets participate in and modulate inflammation, but they are not the primary initiators of the autoimmune process.