miR-23b-3p靶向XIAP调控类风湿关节炎滑膜成纤维细胞增殖和凋亡的机制研究

目的:探讨微小RNA-23b-3p(miR-23b-3p)靶向X连锁凋亡抑制蛋白(XIAP)对类风湿关节炎滑膜成纤维细胞增殖和凋亡的影响及其作用机制。方法:应用RT-qPCR检测体外培养的RA滑膜成纤维细胞中miR-23b-3p和XIAP的表达水平。通过TargetScan预测分析miR-23b-3p与XIAP的靶向关系,并使用双萤光素酶报告基因实验进行验证。采用脂质体法将miR-23b-3p模拟物和抑制物转入细胞中,RT-qPCR法检测miR-23b-3p和XIAP表达水平的变化;CCK-8法和细胞流式术分别检测miR-23b-3p对细胞活力和细胞凋亡的影响;Western blot检测Ki67和Bcl-2蛋白表达量的变化。结果:类风湿关节炎滑膜成纤维细胞中miR-23b-3p表达显著下调,XIAP表达显著上调(P0.05)。转染miR-23b-3p模拟物促使XIAP表达显著下调(P0.05),并且显著抑制细胞活力,促进细胞凋亡(P0.05),同时Ki67和Bcl-2显著下调(P0.05);转染miR-23b-3p抑制物的效果与之相反。结论:miR-23b-3p通过靶向XIAP抑制类风湿关节炎滑膜成纤维细胞增殖,促进其凋亡。     

lncRNA LINC01419 靶向 miR-320a 对小儿类风湿关节炎滑膜成纤维细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭的影响

目的：探讨lncRNA LINC01419对小儿类风湿关节炎滑膜成纤维细胞增殖、迁移和侵袭的影响及分子机制。方法：取2017年1月至2019年12月本院21例小儿类风湿关节炎患者的滑膜组织及21例因骨折式创伤截肢者的膝关节正常滑膜组织;分离培养小儿类风湿关节炎滑膜成纤维细胞（RASFs）,将其分为si-NC组、si-LINC01419组、pcDNA组、pcDNALINC01419组、miR-NC组、miR-320a组、si-LINC01419+anti-miR-NC组、si-LINC01419+anti-miR-320a组。实时荧光定量PCR(RT-qPCR)检测LINC01419和miR-320a的表达水平;四甲基偶氮唑盐比色法（MTT）检测细胞活性;Transwell检测细胞迁移和侵袭;Western blot法检测细胞周期蛋白D1(CyclinD1)、细胞周期蛋白依赖性激酶抑制剂1A(p21)、基质金属蛋白酶2(MMP-2)、基质金属蛋白酶9(MMP-9)蛋白表达;荧光素酶报告实验检测LINC01419和miR-320a的靶向关系。结果：与正常滑膜组织相比,小儿类风湿关节炎患者滑...     

IL-17调控类风湿性关节炎滑膜细胞SENP6表达与Cyr61关系初探

探讨IL-17调控类风湿性关节炎成纤维样滑膜细胞SENP家族分子表达与Cyr61表达间的关系,取8例类风湿关节炎患者的成纤维样滑膜细胞进行原代培养与鉴定,并利用real-time PCR检测了经IL-17刺激后,滑膜细胞中SENP家族分子与Cyr61表达格局。结果显示:经IL-17刺激后,有四例滑膜细胞Cyr61的表达上调,同时SENP6的表达也上调,另外四例经IL-17刺激Cyr61未见上调的滑膜细胞,其SENP6的表达却未见上调。初步分析表明IL-17调控类风湿性关节炎滑膜细胞SENP6表达与Cyr61表达存在正相关性,提示SENP6可能在IL-17刺激类风湿性关节炎滑膜细胞Cyr61的表达中起着调控作用。     

树鼩成纤维样滑膜细胞分离鉴定及TLR8通路相关分子检测方法的建立北大核心

背景:成纤维样滑膜细胞在类风湿关节炎病变过程中发挥着重要的作用,当炎症性关节炎发生时滑膜衬里层成纤维样滑膜细胞会大量增殖,释放炎症因子能引起关节炎症和软骨的损伤。目的:建立树鼩膝关节成纤维样滑膜细胞体外分离、培养纯化及鉴定的方法,并探讨其生物学特性;建立树鼩成纤维样滑膜细胞TLR8通路相关分子的检测方法,初探TLR8通路在细胞中的活化情况。方法:利用组织块贴壁法和连续传代法分离、纯化树鼩成纤维样滑膜细胞,采用CCK-8法检测细胞增殖能力,苏木精-伊红染色观察细胞形态,免疫细胞化学染色法检测成纤维样滑膜细胞的标志性蛋白(波形蛋白)的表达。经人TLR8配体R848刺激前后,采用Western blot方法检测树鼩成纤维样滑膜细胞与人成纤维样滑膜细胞中TLR8及其信号通路蛋白的表达,采用RT-PCR和琼脂糖凝胶电泳检测树鼩成纤维样滑膜细胞中TLR8通路及其下游基因mRNA的表达。结果与结论:①倒置显微镜下可见,经过3代的传代培养后,树鼩成纤维样滑膜细胞多为梭形,大小相近,纯度高,在体外生长增殖状况良好;苏木精-伊红染色显示细胞形态多呈梭形,大小相近;免疫细胞化学染色显示,成纤维样滑膜细胞胞浆波形蛋白表达阳性;CCK-8实验结果显示,树鼩成纤维样滑膜细胞生长曲线为“S”型;②Western blot检测显示,经R848刺激48 h后,树鼩成纤维样滑膜细胞中的核因子κB蛋白表达升高(P<0.05),p-P38蛋白表达降低(P<0.05),TLR8、MyD88、P38、p-Erk1/2、和RANKL蛋白表达无明显变化(P>0.05);人成纤维样滑膜细胞中的p-P38蛋白表达降低(P<0.05),TLR7、TLR8、MyD88、核因子kB、P38、p-Erk1/2和RANKL蛋白表达无明显变化(P>0.05);③RT-PCR和琼脂糖凝胶电泳检测显示,经R848刺激48 h后,树鼩成纤维样滑膜细胞中肿瘤坏死因子ɑ、白细胞介素6、干扰素β、TLR9-2、TLR9-1、TLR8-2、TLR8-1、TLR7-2、TLR7-1 mRNA表达无明显变化(P>0.05);④结果表明,采用组织贴壁法可分离树鼩成纤维样滑膜细胞,利用人来源抗体可建立树鼩成纤维样滑膜细胞TLR8通路相关分子检测方法。     

微小RNA-155对小胶质BV-2细胞炎症因子分泌及吲哚胺2,3-双加氧酶表达的影响

目的:探讨微小RNA-155(miR-155)对小胶质BV-2细胞炎症因子分泌及吲哚胺2,3-双加氧酶(IDO)表达的影响。方法:采用携带miR-155的慢病毒感染小胶质BV-2细胞,以脂多糖(LPS)处理BV-2细胞为对照。观察细胞形态,流式液相芯片检测炎症因子的分泌水平,real-time PCR检测炎症因子和IDO的mRNA表达水平,Western blot法检测细胞因子信号抑制物1(SOCS1)、磷酸化p38 MAPK和IDO蛋白的蛋白水平。结果:携带miR-155的慢病毒成功感染BV-2细胞,其miR-155表达水平高于LPS处理组和阴性病毒感染组(P0.01)。miR-155促进BV-2细胞白细胞介素6(IL-6)、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)、单核细胞趋化蛋白1(MCP-1)和IL-10分泌,抑制IL-12分泌,上调IL-6、TNF-α、IL-10和IDO的mRNA表达,同时升高IDO蛋白表达水平和p38 MAPK蛋白磷酸化水平,下调SOCS1蛋白表达(P0.01)。LPS刺激BV-2细胞分泌炎症因子IL-6、TNF-α、MCP-1和IL-12,上调IL-6、TNF-α和IDO mRNA表达,同时上调IDO、p-p38 MAPK和SOCS1的蛋白水平。结论:miR-155促进小胶质BV-2细胞相关炎症因子分泌和IDO蛋白表达,可能与SOCS1和p38 MAPK信号通路相关。     

复方黑骨藤对佐剂性关节炎大鼠IL-4、IFN-γ及TGF-β1表达的影响

目的:研究复方黑骨藤对佐剂性关节炎大鼠模型血清中IL-4、IFN-γ和TNF-α及关节滑膜组织中TGF-β1的表达水平的影响,以深入探讨复方黑骨藤对类风湿关节炎的治疗作用及其相关机制。方法:构建大鼠弗氏完全佐剂性(AA)关节炎模型,通过ELISA与免疫组化方法分别检测大鼠血液中IL-4、IFN-γ、TNF-α的含量和大鼠膝关节滑膜组织中TGF-β1的含量。结果:模型组与正常组比较,血清的IFN-γ、TNF-α水平升高,IL-4和滑膜组织中的TGF-β1水平降低(P0.01)。复方黑骨藤组与模型组比较血清中IFN-γ、TNF-α水平显著下降,IL-4、TGF-β1水平上调,与模型组有显著性差异。结论:本实验研究表明复方黑骨藤能显著抑制IFN-γ、TNF-α的表达,增强IL-4、TGF-β1的表达,调整大鼠Th1/Th2细胞及其细胞因子失衡,从而减轻关节滑膜炎症的持续发展和软骨破坏,对实验性类风湿关节炎的滑膜组织中T细胞增生及浸润具有显著的抑制作用。     

IL-38 抑制LPS / TLR4 诱导炎症减轻类风湿关节炎的机制研究

目的:探讨IL-38 和TLR4 在类风湿关节炎中的潜在关联及其在类风湿性关节炎中致病的机制。方法:选取2013 年1 月至2016 年2 月间本院收治的41 例类风湿关节炎患者(观察组)及45 例本院实施创伤后滑膜切除术的患者(对照组)为研究对象。收集观察组和对照组的外周血单个核细胞(PBMCs)、滑膜组织及血清。荧光定量PCR 检测PBMCs 及滑膜组织中IL-38 及TLR4 的mRNA 水平。ELISA 检测滑膜液及血清中IL-38 的表达,Western blot 检测滑膜组织中IL-38 及TLR4的表达。LPS 和/ 或IL-38 刺激RAW264.7 细胞,ELISA 检测RAW264.7 细胞上清中IL-6、IL-8 及TNF-α的含量,荧光定量PCR检测RAW264.7 细胞TLR4、IL-6、IL-8 及TNF-α的表达。NF-κB 激活-核转运试剂盒及Western blot 检测NF-κB 信号的激活水平。结果:与对照组相比,类风湿关节炎患者PBMCs、血清及滑膜组织和滑膜液中IL-38 水平显著升高,而TLR4 水平也显著升高,Pearson 相关分析显示二者呈负相关。LPS 和/ 或IL-38 刺激RAW264.7 细胞后,IL-38 能够抑制LPS 诱导的TLR4、IL-6、IL-8 及TNF-α表达,进一步的分析显示,IL-38 能抑制NF-κB 信号途径激活,因此推测IL-38 可能是通过抑制NF-κB 信号途径激活从而抑制LPS/ TLR4 信号诱导的炎症因子表达。结论:IL-38 能抑制LPS/ TLR4 诱导炎症减轻类风湿关节炎,其机制可能是通过抑制NF-κB 信号途径的激活。     

白细胞介素6受体抗体对类风湿关节炎滑膜成纤维细胞核因子-κB受体激活因子配体表达影响的实验研究

目的 探讨白细胞介素6受体抗体(IL-6R-Ab)对类风湿关节炎(RA)滑膜成纤维细胞增殖与核因子-κB受体激活因子配体(RANKL)表达的影响.方法 从膝关节镜术中获取RA患者滑膜组织,培养成纤维细胞.实验分为4组:甲氨蝶呤(MTX)组、IL-6R-Ab组、IL-6R-Ab联合MTX组、空白对照组.分别采用CCK-8检测IL-6R-Ab、MTX对RA滑膜成纤维细胞增殖活力影响;荧光定量(FQ)-PCR检测各组培养体系中的滑膜成纤维细胞RANKL mRNA的表达.结果 CCK-8检测结果显示:与空白对照组比较,MTX组、IL-6R-Ab组及联合组成纤维细胞的生长受到抑制(F=54.64,P＜0.05);IL-6R-Ab联合MTX组RA滑膜成纤维细胞的生长显著受到抑制(P＜0.01);但MTX组与IL-6R-Ab组未见统计学差异.ELISA检测结果提示:与MTX组相比,IL-6R-Ab组的RANKL表达量降低(P＜0.05),IL-6R-Ab联合MTX组的RANKL表达量明显降低(P＜0.01).FQ-PCR检测显示,MTX组、IL-6R-Ab组、联合组均能抑制RANKL mRNA的表达(F =32.17,P＜0.05);与MTX组或IL-6R-Ab组相比,IL-6R-Ab联合MTX组RANKL mRNA的表达也受到抑制(P＜0.05).结论 IL-6R-Ab单独或联合MTX使用均能抑制RA滑膜成纤维细胞的增殖活力,显著抑制RANKL的表达.本研究为IL-6R-Ab防治RA滑膜成纤维细胞所造成的关节破坏提供细胞与分子生物学方面的理论依据.     

骨痨愈康丸通过JAK/STAT信号通路对类风湿关节炎大鼠滑膜组织的影响

目的：观察骨痨愈康丸（GLYK）对胶原诱导性关节炎（CIA）大鼠滑膜组织的影响,探讨GLYK治疗类风湿关节炎的作用机制。方法：将70只Wistar大鼠,随机分为正常对照（control）组、CIA组、甲氨蝶呤（MTX）组、GLYK组、GLYK+Janus激酶（JAK）受体酪氨酸激酶抑制剂AG490(GLYK+AG490)组和AG490组。除control组外,其余5组建立CIA大鼠模型,每组10只。用药4周后,观察各组大鼠踝关节病理形态;ELISA法检测关节液中白细胞介素6(IL-6)、IL-17、IL-1β、肿瘤坏死因子α(TNF-α)和基质金属蛋白酶3(MMP-3)水平;RT-qPCR与Western blot检测各组大鼠踝关节滑膜组织中JAK2、JAK3、信号转导和转录激活因子3(STAT3)、细胞因子信号抑制因子1(SOCS1)和SOCS3的mRNA及蛋白表达。结果：CIA组大鼠关节液中IL-6、IL-17、IL-1β、TNF-α和MMP-3的水平、滑膜组织中JAK2、JAK3和STAT3蛋白及相关mRNA的表达较control组显著升高（P<0.01）,SOCS1和SO...     

大黄素对TNF-α诱导的成纤维样滑膜细胞株MH7A细胞ERK1/2和p38MAPK的影响

目的观察大黄素(emodin)对TNF-α诱导的类风湿性关节炎(RA)成纤维样滑膜细胞ERK1/2和p38MAPK表达的影响,探讨大黄素治疗RA的作用机制。方法将体外培养的RA成纤维样滑膜细胞株MH7A分组培养、空白对照组、模型组(TNF-α,10 ng/ml)、药物组[TNF-α(10 ng/ml)+emodin(20、40、80μmol/L)]。用免疫荧光、Western blot和RT-PCR分别测定细胞中ERK1/2、p38MAPK及mRNA的表达。结果免疫荧光示,TNF-α促进ERK1/2、p38MAPK的表达,大黄素处理后,抑制ERK1/2转核及p38MAPK的表达。模型组中,Western blot和RT-PCR测定ERK1/2、p38MAPK及mRNA表达均明显上调(P0.05);与模型组比较,大黄素各剂量组中,ERK1/2、p38MAPK及mRNA表达明显减少(P0.05),且具有剂量依赖性。结论抑制ERK1/2和p38MAPK在成纤维样滑膜细胞中的表达是大黄素治疗类风湿性关节炎的作用机制之一。     

Expression and production of the long pentraxin PTX3 in rheumatoid arthritis (RA)

PTX3 is a secreted molecule which consists of a C-terminal domain similar to classical pentraxins (e.g. C-reactive protein (CRP)) and of an unrelated N-terminal domain. Unlike the classical pentraxins, the long pentraxin PTX3 is expressed in response to IL-1beta and tumour necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), but not to IL-6, in various cell types. The present study was designed to investigate the expression of PTX3 in RA. Dissociated RA and osteoarthritis (OA) type B synoviocytes were cultured in the presence and in the absence of inflammatory cytokines. PTX3 mRNA expression in synoviocytes was evaluated by Northern analysis. PTX3 protein levels in synovial cell cultures and synovial fluid were estimated by ELISA, and PTX3 distribution in synovial tissues by immunohistochemical techniques. OA synoviocytes were induced to express high levels of PTX3 mRNA by TNF-alpha, but not by other cytokines including IL-1beta and IL-6. RA synoviocytes, unlike OA synoviocytes, constitutively expressed high levels of PTX3 in the absence of deliberate stimulation. The constitutive expression of PTX3 in RA synoviocytes was not modified by anti-TNF-alpha antibodies, IL-1 receptor antagonist or a combination of the two agents. In contrast, interferon-gamma and transforming growth factor-beta inhibited PTX3 constitutive expression in RA synoviocytes. The joint fluid from RA patients contained higher levels of immunoreactive PTX3 than controls and the synovial tissue contained endothelial cells and synoviocytes positive for PTX3 by immunohistochemistry. In conclusion, PTX3 may play a role in inflammatory circuits of RA, and its relevance as a marker of disease activity deserves further study.     

IL-17 increases cadherin-11 expression in a model of autoimmune experimental arthritis and in rheumatoid arthritis

IL-17 plays important roles in synovial inflammation and bone destruction in the mouse model of autoimmune arthritis and in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Cadherin-11 determines the behavior of synovial cells in their proinflammatory and destructive tissue response in inflammatory arthritis, and promotes the invasive behavior of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS). The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of IL-17 on the expression of cadherin-11 in autoimmune experimental arthritis and in RA synovium. The severity of synovial inflammation and bone destruction were examined in IL-17-injected knee joints of mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). Cadherin-11 expression was examined in the synovium of mice with CIA, of IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra)-deficient mice and of patients with RA and osteoarthritis (OA). Cadherin-11 expression was also examined in the synovium of IL-17 injected knee joints from CIA mice and in IL-17-stimulated FLS of CIA mice and RA patients. IL-17 aggravated synovial inflammation and bone destruction in CIA. By immunohistochemistry, cadherin-11 expression was increased in the synovium of mice with CIA and IL-1Ra-deficient mice and in patients with RA. Synovial cadherin-11 expression in IL-17-injected knee joints, measured by real-time RT-PCR, Western blot and immunohistochemistry, was increased in CIA. Cadherin-11 expression was significantly increased by IL-17 in cultured FLS of CIA mice and RA patients, and these increases were blocked by NF-κB inhibitors. IL-17 increased the expression of cadherin-11 in vivo and in vitro, which implies that an IL-17-induced increase of cadherin-11 is involved in IL-17-induced aggravation of joint destruction and inflammation.     

Loss of microRNA-147 function alleviates synovial inflammation through ZNF148 in rheumatoid and experimental arthritis

MicroRNA-147 (miR-147) had been previously found induced in synoviocytes by inflammatory stimuli derived from T cells in experimental arthritis. This study was designed to verify whether loss of its function might alleviate inflammatory events in joints of experimental and rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Dark Agouti (DA) rats were injected intradermally with pristane to induce arthritis, and rno-miR-147 antagomir was locally administrated into individual ankle compared with negative control or rno-miR-155-5p antagomir (potential positive control). Arthritis onset, macroscopic severity, and pathological changes were monitored. While in vitro, gain or loss function of hsa-miR-147b-3p/hsa-miR-155-5p and ZNF148 was achieved in human synovial fibroblast cell line SW982 and RA synovial fibroblasts (RASF). The expression of miRNAs and mRNAs was detected by using RT-quantitative PCR, and protein expression was detected by using Western blotting. Anti-miR-147 therapy could alleviate the severity, especially for the synovitis and joint destruction in experimental arthritis. Gain of hsa-miR-147b-3p/hsa-miR-155-5p function in TNF-α stimulated SW982 and RASF cells could upregulate, in contrast, loss of hsa-miR-147b-3p/hsa-miR-155-5p function could downregulate the gene expression of TNF-α, IL-6, MMP3, and MMP13. Hence, such alteration could participate in synovial inflammation and joint destruction. RNAi of ZNF148, a miR-147's target, increased gene expression of TNF-α, IL-6, MMP3, and MMP13 in SW982 and RASF cells. Also, mRNA sequencing data showed that hsa-miR-147b-3p mimic and ZNF148 siRNA commonly regulated the gene expression of CCL3 and DEPTOR as well as some arthritis and inflammation-related pathways. Taken together, miR-147b-3p contributes to synovial inflammation through repressing ZNF148 in RA and experimental arthritis.     

MLL3 Inhibits Apoptosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes and Promotes Secretion of Inflammatory Factors by Activating CCL2 and the NF-κB Pathway

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) remains the most common inflammatory arthritis and a major cause of disability. This study investigated the mechanism of MLL3 in fibroblast-like synoviocyte (FLS) apoptosis and inflammatory factor secretion in RA. Expression of MLL3 in synovial tissue of RA patients and patients with bone trauma was detected. FLS was isolated and identified by flow cytometry. Expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-8, and IL-10 and apoptosis were measured by MTT, flow cytometry, and ELISA. Western blot and qRT-PCR were performed to detect MLL3 and CCL2 expressions, H3K4me3 level, and NF-κB pathway-related proteins in rat joints. MLL3 was highly expressed in the synovial tissue of RA patients, and silencing MLL3 in FLS-RA promoted apoptosis, inhibited pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8 secretion, and promoted anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 secretion. Inhibition of MLL3 suppressed intracellular H3K4me3 and CCL2 expressions. CCL2 activated the NF-κB pathway to promote pro-inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-8, inhibit anti-inflammatory factor IL-10, and inhibit apoptosis in FLS-RA. Inhibition of MLL3 expression in RA rats reduced joint redness, swelling, and intra-articular inflammation, but increasing H3K4me3 level reversed the ameliorative effects of sh-MLL3 on RA rats. Collectively, MLL3 activated the NF-κB pathway by increasing H3K4me3 modification in the CCL2 promoter region in FLS-RA, thereby inhibiting apoptosis and promoting pro-inflammatory factors of FLS-RA.

     

Phenotypic Characterization and Invasive Properties of Synovial Fluid-Derived Adherent Cells in Rheumatoid Arthritis

The present study aimed at characterizing the phenotype and functions of adherent synovial fluid (SF) cells derived from rheumatoid arthritis (RA), comparing with fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS) derived from RA synovial tissue (ST). Adherent SF-derived cells were spindle-shaped from passages 1-6 under light microscopy. The cell surface marker profile in SF-derived cells from passage 1-6 was similar to that of ST-derived FLS. Levels of MMP-1 and MMP-3 were not significantly different between SF-derived cells and ST-derived FLS (p = 0.20 and p = 0.40, respectively). There was no significant difference in the optical density value between two cell types in the cell invasion assay (p = 0.10). SF-derived adherent cells have a fibroblast-like phenotype from very early culture passages and have the potential to produce MMPs with the invasive capacity to degrade cartilage, identical to ST-derived FLS. Therefore, these cells could substitute for ST-derived FLS in studying the pathogenesis of RA.     

Fibroblast-like synoviocytes-dependent effector molecules as a critical mediator for rheumatoid arthritis: Current status and future directions

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a systemic-autoimmune-mediated disease characterized by synovial hyperplasia and progressive destruction of joint. Currently available biological agents and inhibitor therapy that specifically target tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, T cells, B cells, and subcellular molecules (p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and janus kinase) cannot facilitate complete remission in all patients and are unable to cure the disease. Therefore, further potent therapeutic targets need to be identified for effective treatment and successful clinical outcomes in patients with RA. Scientific breakthroughs have brought new insights regarding fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLS), a major constituent of the synovial hyperplasia. These play a pivotal role in RA invading cartilage and bone tissue. Currently there are no effective therapies available that specifically target these aggressive cells. Recent evidences indicate that FLS-dependent effector molecules (toll-like receptors, nodal effector molecules, hypoxia-inducible factor, and IL-17) have emerged as important mediators of RA. In this review, we discuss the pathological features and recent advances in understanding the role of FLS-dependent effector molecules in the disease onset of RA. Pharmacological inhibition of FLS-dependent effector molecules might be a promising option for FLS-targeted therapy in RA.