Reciprocal Activation of CD4+ T Cells and Synovial Fibroblasts by Stromal Cell–Derived Factor 1 Promotes RANKL Expression and Osteoclastogenesis in Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

Our findings indicate that SDF-1 induces osteoclastogenesis directly and indirectly via up-regulating RANKL expression in RA synovial fibroblasts and CD4+ T cells, and that this is mediated by TNFα. The axis of SDF-1 and RANKL is a potential therapeutic target for RA-associated bone destruction.