The immunological role of rheumatoid factors (RFs) in rheumatoid arthritis. RFs may be produced both in a T cell-dependent or T cell-independent pathway. Macrophages and B cells may act as antigen-presenting cells and efficiently present antigens to T cells. Ag: antigen; BCR: B cell receptor; TCR: T cell receptor; RF-PCs: rheumatoid factor plasma cells; IC: immune complex.
