Summary of the cells and mediators involved in the PsA pathogenesis

Mediators/CellsEffect
RANKLOsteoclastogenesis ↑
OPG

Decoy receptor of RANKL: osteoclastogenesis ↓

Regulates the DKK-1 expression through a feedback loop

Vascular calcification ↓

DKK-1

Natural inhibitor of Wnt: bone formation ↓

Inhibition of DKK-1: circulating OPG ↑; osteoclastogenesis ↓

Wnt pathwayOsteoblastogenesis ↑
TNF-α

RANKL ↑: bone erosion

DKK-1 ↑: bone erosion

IL-22

OBL ↑ differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells: bone formation ↑

RANKL ↑ on FLS: osteoclastogenesis

IL-17

RANKL ↑: osteoclastogenesis

Wnt ↓: inhibition of new bone formation

Exacerbating enthesitis through stimulation of mesenchymal stem cells

IL-23

Peripheral enthesitis

Key mediator of Th17 expansion and maintenance

Innate γδ T cellsProduction of IL-17 independent from IL-23: OBLs proliferation ↑
Th17Production of IL-17
Th22Production of IL-22 in the absence of IL-17A

↑: increased; ↓: decreased; FLS: fibroblast-like synoviocytes