Why does rheumatoid arthritis (RA) often exhibit cycles of remission and flare-ups?

💡 Explanation

RA flare-ups arise from failed self-tolerance, because immune complexes activate autoreactive T cells, amplifying inflammation in joints; subsequent regulatory T cell (Treg) activation suppresses the immune response causing remission. Therefore, cyclical fluctuations in T cell regulation explain the remission/flare pattern, rather than constant inflammation or direct infection.

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