A narrative review of the role of the Notch signaling pathway in rheumatoid arthritis

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic autoimmune disease affected by genetics and the environment factors. Its early diagnosis and treatment are difficult, and the infection risk is serious. The treatment effects for most patients were not significant, which has become a difficult challenge to overcome. Cell signals play an important role in regulating basic cellular activities such as immunity. Notch signaling is a near secretory signal that can affects many processes of cell normal morphogenesis, including the differentiation of pluripotent progenitor cells, apoptosis, cell proliferation and the formation of cell boundary. In addition, the expression and activation of Notch signaling are increased in the synovial cells and vascular endothelial cells of RA patients. The purpose of this review was to elucidate the related mechanisms of Notch signaling in RA progression, as well as the potential therapeutic value of Notch signaling in a variety of autoimmune diseases. METHODS: Literatures about Notch signaling and RA were extensively reviewed to analyze and discuss. KEY CONTENT AND FINDINGS: This article briefly reviews the role of Notch signaling in RA. It also summarizes the functional role of Notch signaling in the treatment of RA, with the goal to provide a new treatment option for RA patients. CONCLUSIONS: In this review, the approach we discussed focuses on Notch signaling as a potential therapeutic target against RA, enriching therapeutic strategies for inflammatory diseases including RA.