Monocytes and Macrophages in Spondyloarthritis: Functional Roles and Effects of Current Therapies

Abstract

Spondyloarthritis (SpA) is a family of chronic inflammatory diseases, being the most prevalent ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). These diseases share genetic, clinical and immunological features, such as the implication of human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I molecule 27 (HLA-B27), the inflammation of peripheral, spine and sacroiliac joints and the presence of extra-articular manifestations (psoriasis, anterior uveitis, enthesitis and inflammatory bowel disease). Monocytes and macrophages are essential cells of the innate immune system and are the first line of defence against external agents. In rheumatic diseases including SpA, the frequency and phenotypic and functional characteristics of both cell types are deregulated and are involved in the pathogenesis of these diseases. In fact, monocytes and macrophages play key roles in the inflammatory processes characteristics of SpA. The aim of this review is analysing the characteristics and functional roles of monocytes and macrophages in these diseases, as well as the impact of different current therapies on these cell types.

TWEAK levels in psoriatic patients treated with narrowband ultraviolet B and methotrexate

“…23 About MTX, it disrupts proliferation of monocytes and macrophages. 26 Also, it downregulates keratinocytes growth and endothelial expression of the cell adhesive molecules ICAM-1, E-selectin. 11 TNFα, IFNγ, and IL-6.…”

Exploration of the shared pathways and common biomarker PAN3 in ankylosing spondylitis and ulcerative colitis using integrated bioinformatics analysis

“…Monocytes have also been shown to play a key role in the pathogenesis of SpA. Moreover, monocyte subpopulations were found to be positively correlated with AS disease activity parameters and C-reactive protein levels, and monocytes in AS patients significantly increased phagocytic activity than controls ( 40 ). Recent evidence has shown that NETs are involved in the pathogenesis of IBD.…”

High Baseline Neutrophil-to-Lymphocyte Ratio Could Serve as a Biomarker for Tumor Necrosis Factor-Alpha Blockers and Their Discontinuation in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis

“…Taken together, these findings suggest that neutrophils may be linked to the role of TNF-α in the inflammatory process of AS via IL-17. In previous studies of patients with AS, monocytes exhibited higher pro-inflammatory properties, and showed more pronounced phagocytic activity as compared to controls [ 36 ]. Although platelets can be involved in the inflammatory process by secreting various cytokines such as IL-6 and transforming growth factor-β, the role of platelets in the pathophysiology of AS has not been well studied.…”