Role of MT1-MMP in development of rheumatoid arthritis
A hallmark of rheumatoid arthritis is the destruction of joint tissues, including cartilage by inflamed invasive synovial pannus tissue.
We found that MT1-MMP is a crucial proteinase to promote synovial cell invasion into cartilage tissue, and selective inhibition of MT1-MMP abrogates cartilage erosion during development of arthritis.
Our recent findings indicate that inhibition of MT1-MMP together with TNF blockage synergistically inhibited development of inflammatory arthritis, suggesting that MT1-MMP may be a novel target molecule for clinical intervention.
Investigation of how MT1-MMP inhibition can synergize with TNF blockade may also reveal pathogenesis of the disease.