Neutrophil extracellular traps mediate articular cartilage damage and enhance cartilage component immunogenicity in rheumatoid arthritis (original) (raw)

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a prevalent autoimmune disorder marked by synovial inflammation and cartilage damage. Neutrophils play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of RA by forming neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), which release elastase that degrades cartilage matrix and activates adaptive immune responses against citrullinated cartilage components. This study elucidates how NETs and NET-derived enzymes contribute to cartilage damage and promote synovial inflammation by modulating immune responses, suggesting potential therapeutic targets in neutrophil elastase and NETs.