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Helper T (T h ) cells play a decisive role in triggering and maintaining chronic rheumatic inflammation. Via secretion of proinflammatory cytokines and expression of costimulatory cell surface molecules, T h  lymphocytes coordinate the recruitment and activation of effector cells, which are ultimately responsible for the immunopathology and tissue destruction. However, therapeutic approaches aimed at eliminating T h  cells were unsuccessful due to their lack of selectivity. At the German Rheumatism Research Center (Deutsches Rheuma-Forschungszentrum, DRFZ), we are working to improve the understanding of the T h  cells involved in chronic inflammatory reactions. Based on this understanding, our aim is to develop novel treatment strategies that selectively target the pathogenic T h  lymphocytes causing rheumatic inflammation. The current article summarizes the DRFZ's research activities on this subject., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

Various research groups at the German Rheumatism Research Center in Berlin, in close cooperation with the Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology of the Medical Clinic at the Charité, have made important contributions to the significance of B cells and plasma cells in rheumatic diseases, which are relevant not only for rheumatology but for all clinical specialties in which antibody-mediated diseases play a role. In particular, the research addresses impaired B cell homeostasis, the importance of the IgM Fc receptor in the regulation of autoimmunity, the role of long-lived memory plasma cells in maintaining autoimmunity and ensuring its survival in specific niches organized by stromal cells in bone marrow and inflamed tissues. The research results have contributed to a better understanding of the immunological and molecular mechanisms in rheumatic diseases and their treatment. The identification of the long-lived memory plasma cell has led to promising treatment approaches with curative potential in autoimmune diseases., (© 2022. The Author(s), under exclusive licence to Springer Medizin Verlag GmbH, ein Teil von Springer Nature.)

T helper cells contribute to the induction and maintenance of rheumatic inflammation through the secretion of cytokines. The analysis of Th1 cells expressing interferon-γ, Th17 cells expressing interleukin-17 and the newly described Th1+17 cells could give insight into the pathophysiological mechanisms of rheumatic diseases. This could lead to the development of novel, targeted therapeutic strategies.