中文摘要：

类风湿性关节炎（rheumatoid arthritis, RA）是一种以慢性多关节滑膜炎为主要特征的自身免疫性疾病。虽然目前对于RA的确切发病机制尚不明确，但一般认为和T细胞相关。最近研究发现调节性T细胞（regulatory T cell, Treg）和Th17细胞在RA的发生发展中发挥重要作用。Th17细胞能够分泌促炎症因子IL-17，通过诱导基质金属蛋白酶（matrix metallo proteinases, MMPs）和破骨细胞生成，促进骨滑膜炎症、骨和关节损伤；而Treg则通过释放抑制性细胞因子IL-10和TGF-β发挥免疫效应，调控RA中的炎症性免疫应答过程。单独TGF-β作用下诱导初始T细胞分化为Treg，而在TGF-β和IL-6共同作用下诱导初始T细胞分化为Th17细胞，因此，Th17和Treg细胞在特定的细胞因子微环境下可以相互转化。调节Th17/Treg之间的平衡可能成为治疗RA的新方法。该文将对Th17/Treg平衡在RA发生发展中的调节作用作一综述。

英文摘要：

Rheumatoid arthritis （RA） is a chronic inflammatory autoimmune disease characterized by sustained synovitis. Although the exact pathological mechanism of RA is not well defined, T cells have been thought to be the major factor in the process of RA. Recently, it was found that regulatory T cells （Treg） and Th17 cells play important roles in the development of RA. IL-17, produced by Th17, is a pro-inflammatory factor and may promote damages of bone and joint through the induction of matrix metallo proteinases （MMPs） and osteoclasts. Treg can inhibit the development of inflammation through the release of some inhibitory cytokines, such as IL-10 and TGF-β, which are important in the maintenance of immune homeostasis. Both Th17 and Treg cells secret their transcription factors ROR-γt and Foxp3 through TGF-β pathway. Therefore, it is very important to regulate the balance of Thl7/Treg in RA patients. This review will describe the role of Thl7/Treg balance in the pathological process of RA.