Aberrant helper T cell activation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of an array of
autoimmune diseases. In this review, we summarize evidence that suggests the involvement
of a novel T cell subset, the Th17 lineage, in rheumatoid arthritis. In particular, we focus on
the role of Th17 cells in inducing and perpetuating the chronic inflammation, cartilage
damage, and bone erosion that are hallmark phases of joint destruction and consider
current and emerging therapies that seek to disrupt the inflammatory Th17 network and shift …