Ospelt C et al. - Synovial fibroblasts (SF) are the most common cell types at the sites of invasion of synovium in RA. These cells differ from healthy SF by their expression of proto-oncogenes, antiapoptotic molecules, and in their lack of certain tumor suppressor genes. Through their production of proinflammatory cytokines, they are not only effector cells but also active parts of the innate immune system attracting inflammatory immune cells to the synovium. Most importantly, by producing matrix-degrading molecules they contribute strongly to the destructive mechanisms operative in RA.
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