Deciphering Role of Cytokines for Therapeutic Strategies Against Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is a systemic, chronic, autoimmune, inflammatory disorder that affects both large and small synovial joints in a symmetric pattern. RA initiates as painful inflammation of the joints leading to stiffness of joint, joint destruction and further worsens the condition causing permanent irreversible damage to the joints, making them physically disabled. Across the globe, there are around 1.2 million cases of RA reported. Inspite of various available therapeutic and pharmacological agents against RA, none of the treatments assure complete cure. Understanding the in depth-role of cytokines and interleukins in the disease pathogenesis of RA could help in exploiting them for developing novel therapeutic strategies against RA. This review provides insights into the pathogenesis of RA and gives a brief overview of cytokines, which play an important role in the progression of the disease. We have also discussed the possible role of interleukins in the context of RA, which could help future researchers to explore them for identifying new therapeutic agents.