THE ROLE OF THE INTESTINAL MICROBIOTA IN THE PATHOGENESIS AND CLINICAL COURSE OF RHEUMATOID ARTHRITIS, POTENTIAL TREATMENT

Abstract The article highlights current ideas about the role of intestinal microbiota in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic systemic autoimmune disease. The mechanisms of immune dysregulation are analyzed, in particular, the activation of Th1/Th17 cells and excessive production of proinflammatory cytokines. Special attention is paid to the influence of dysbiosis on the course of the disease, including the participation of Prevotella copri, Firmicutes and Proteobacteria in the formation of a pro-inflammatory environment. The results of studies on experimental models that confirm the connection between changes in the microbiota and the autoimmune response are reviewed. The potential of probiotics in normalizing the microbiome, reducing inflammation and reducing RA activity is also analyzed. Presented data open up prospects for new pathogenetically based approaches to treatment.