Scientists Find Hidden Immune 'Hubs' That Drive Joint Damage in Arthritis

A team of scientists from Japan has identified hidden immune 'hubs' that drive joint damage in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

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The team from Kyoto University discovered that peripheral helper T cells (Tph cells) — a key type of immune cell involved in RA — exist in two forms: stem-like Tph cells and effector Tph cells. The stem-like Tph cells reside in immune "hubs" called tertiary lymphoid structures within inflamed joints, where they multiply and activate B cells.

Some of these then become effector Tph cells that leave the hubs and cause inflammation. This continuous supply of effector Tph cells may explain why inflammation persists in some patients despite treatment.