Histamine H1 receptor modulation of T regulatory cell function: Implications for breast cancer immunotherapy.

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic autoimmune disorder that affects many areas of the body including joints and various organs (Carton, Daly and Ramani, 2007). Autoimmune disorders occur when the body's immune system begins to attack itself and causes an unnecessary inflammatory response, which results in deterioration of body tissues. In the case of RA, joint proteins are mistaken for non-self and are attacked by the immune system causing joint inflammation and deterioration of the synovial membrane, cartilage, and bone (Muir, 1992). Although a large amount of research has been done on RA, the exact cause and mechanisms of disease are still not fully understood, making it difficult to diagnose and treat before the disease is well underway. In order to improve the lives of those affected by this disease, early diagnosis is critical.