Search for: [Abstract = "Rheumatoid arthritis \(RA\) an example of an autoimmune disease. While not uncommon, with a prevalence of 1% worldwide, the pathogenesis of RA is not clear yet. At present it is thought that the pathogenesis of RA is the result of an inflammatory response mediated by CD4\+ Th1 cells that recognize unidentified antigens that are present in joints. Following antigen\-induced activation, self\-specific Th1 cells release cytokines that initiate inflammatory processes in the joint. This leads to polimorphonuclear and macrophage accumulation and subsequent destruction of cartilage and erosion of bone with extra\-articular manifestations. Recently, there is a growing evidence for a role for Th17 lymphocytes in autoimmunity including RA and that this population of helper cells may be more important to the pathogenesis of RA than Th1 cells. Research on autoimmune disease pathogenesis, and development and of new drugs is possible thanks to animal models that mimic human diseases. Collagen\-induced arthritis \(CIA\) in genetically prone strains of mice, rats, rabbits or rhesus monkeys has been used as an experimental model of RA, as they share many histological and immunological characteristics. CIA can be induced by subcutaneous \(s.c.\) injection of collagen II in complete Freund’s adjuvant \(CFA\). There are many drugs that are used in therapy of autoimmune diseases including RA. It is noteworthy"]

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