Stable activation of fibroblasts in rheumatic arthritis—causes and consequences

The progressive destruction of articular cartilage is a hallmark of RA, a systemic autoimmune disease predominantly affecting synovial joints that often results in severe disability. Fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) have been demonstrated to play a key role in both the initiation and perpetuation of the disease. During RA pathogenesis, FLSs acquire a permanently aggressive, tumour-like phenotype that mediates cartilage destruction both...