Cytokine-Mediated Bone Destruction in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Figure 4

FLS could express RANKL in response to various stimuli. FLS-expressed RANKL enhances osteoclastogenesis and results in bone erosion in RA. Inflammatory and immune stimulation induce the FLS to produce proinflammatory cytokines and matrix metalloproteinase. These cytokines and enzymes aid osteoclasts to destroy the bone matrix.