Role of CD30(+) T cells in rheumatoid arthritis: a counterregulatory paradigm for Th1-driven diseases

CD30 has been proposed to identify Th0/2-type clones. However, the in vivo relevance of this finding is still a matter of debate, as high serum levels of soluble CD30 have been found in both Th1- and Th2- dominated disorders. Among these, rheumatoid arthritis represents a condition where the Th1 pre dominance is combined with the presence of CD30(+) T-cell activity, particu larly in specific stages of the disease. This article discusses the hypothe sis that CD30(+) T cells might play a counter-regulatory role at sites of i nflammation in Th1-mediated conditions, such as rheumatoid arthritis.