Distinct stromal and immune cell interactions shape the pathogenesis of rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis.

Objectives: Immune and stromal cell communication is central in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), however, the nature of these interactions in the synovial pathology of the two pathotypes can differ. Identifying immune-stromal cell crosstalk at the site of inflammation in RA and PsA is challenging. This study creates the first global transcriptomic analysis of the RA and PsA inflamed joint and investigates immune-stromal cell interactions in the pathogenesis of synovial inflammation.

Serum MicroRNA Signature as a Diagnostic and Therapeutic Marker in Patients with Psoriatic Arthritis.

Objective: MicroRNA (miRNA) are small endogenous regulatory RNA molecules that have emerged as potential therapeutic targets and biomarkers in autoimmunity. Here, we investigated serum miRNA levels in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and further assessed a serum miRNA signature in therapeutic responder versus nonresponder PsA patients.

Methods: Serum samples were collected from healthy controls (HC; n = 20) and PsA patients (n = 31), and clinical demographics were obtained.

Dysregulated miR-125a promotes angiogenesis through enhanced glycolysis.

Background: Although neoangiogenesis is a hallmark of chronic inflammatory diseases such as inflammatory arthritis and many cancers, therapeutic agents targeting the vasculature remain elusive. Here we identified miR-125a as an important regulator of angiogenesis.

Methods: MiRNA levels were quantified in Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA) synovial-tissue by RT-PCR and compared to macroscopic synovial vascularity.

Association of synovial tissue polyfunctional T-cells with DAPSA in psoriatic arthritis.

Objective: This study examines polyfunctional T-cells in psoriatic arthritis (PsA) synovial tissue and their associations with clinical disease and implications for therapy.

Methods: PsA synovial tissue was enzymatically/mechanically digested to generate synovial tissue single cell suspensions. Frequencies of polyfunctional CD4, CD8, T-helper 1 (Th1), Th17 and exTh17 cells, using CD161 as a marker of Th17 plasticity, were determined by flow cytometry in matched PsA synovial tissue and peripheral blood.

Enriched Cd141+ DCs in the joint are transcriptionally distinct, activated, and contribute to joint pathogenesis.

CD141+ DC are implicated in antiviral and antitumor immunity. However, mechanistic studies in autoimmune disease are limited. This is the first study to our knowledge examining CD141+ DC in autoimmune disease, specifically inflammatory arthritis (IA).

Altered expression of microRNA-23a in psoriatic arthritis modulates synovial fibroblast pro-inflammatory mechanisms via phosphodiesterase 4B.

Objectives: To investigate the functional role of miR-23a in synovial fibroblasts (SFC) activation in psoriatic arthritis (PsA).

Methods: Differential expression of the miR-23a-27a-24-2 cluster was identified by real-time quantitative PCR in PsA synovial tissue and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) compared to osteoarthritis (OA) and correlated with disease activity. For regulation experiments, PsA synovial fibroblasts (SFC) were cultured with Toll-like receptor (TLR) ligands and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Interleukin 12 and interleukin 23 play key pathogenic roles in inflammatory and proliferative pathways in giant cell arteritis.

Objectives: The pathogenesis of giant cell arteritis (GCA) remains unclear. T1 and T17 pathways are implicated, but the proximal initiators and effector cytokines are unknown. Our aim was to assess the role of interleukin 12 (IL-12) and interleukin 23 (IL-23) in GCA pathogenesis.