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Microbial Mechanisms of Rheumatoid Arthritis Pathogenesis

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Abstract

Purpose of Review

Host-microbiome interactions have been implicated in the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), but the data linking specific microbes to RA is largely associative. Here, we review recent studies that have interrogated specific mechanistic links between microbes and host in the setting of RA.

Recent Findings

Several candidate bacterial species and antigens that may trigger the conversion of an anti-bacterial to an autoimmune response have been recently identified. Additional studies have identified microbial metabolic pathways that are altered in RA. Some of these microbial species and metabolic pathways have been validated in mouse models to induce RA-like immune responses, providing initial evidence of specific mechanisms by which the microbiota contributes to the development of RA.

Summary

Several microbial species, antigens, and metabolites have been identified as potential contributors to RA pathophysiology. Further interrogation and validation of these pathways may identify novel biomarkers of or therapeutic avenues for RA.

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Funding

BJS received funding through the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases grants F30AI174817 and T32AI007405. KAK received funding through the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases grant U01AI101981 and the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases grants R01AR075933 and P30AR079369.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Division of Rheumatology, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA

    Brenda J. Seymour, Brendan E. Allen & Kristine A. Kuhn

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  1. Brenda J. Seymour
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  2. Brendan E. Allen
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BJS, BEA, and KAK wrote the manuscript text, and BJS prepared Fig. 1. All authors reviewed the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Kristine A. Kuhn.

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Seymour, B.J., Allen, B.E. & Kuhn, K.A. Microbial Mechanisms of Rheumatoid Arthritis Pathogenesis. Curr Rheumatol Rep 26, 124–132 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11926-024-01135-y

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