OSTEOARTHRITIS AND IMMUNITY

Abstract

Abstract
 Low-grade inflammation is part of the pathogenesis of osteoarthritis (OA) from its earliest stages and contributes to the acceleration of the degenerative process. Innate immunity has a leading role in it.
 Activation of the innate immune response is initiated by stimulation of the receptors on the cell membrane to recognize the secreted PAMPs (pathogen-associated molecular patterns). However, PAMPs can also be activated by endogenous damage-related molecular patterns (DAMPs). The group of DAMPs also includes toll-like receptors (TLRs).The disruption of matrix homeostasis in the course of OA is an example of activation of these receptors in chronic damage.
 The complement system is a key element of the innate immune system. It is one of the serum enzyme systems whose function is to opsonize antigens. The complement receptors on the surface of the cell membranes adhere to the targets for phagocytosis. The C3R fraction activates the complement cascade itself, as well as the oxygen metabolism of the cell, which is essential for the phagocytosis. The cartilage damage products released during joint damage are a separate class of potent complement modulators. Complement fractions bind to complement receptors on the surface of the chondrocyte and the synoviocyte cell membranes by TLR. The complement system is involved in many processes in the course of osteoarthritis: chondrocyte degeneration, ECM degradation, low-grade inflammation in the osteoarthritis, cell lysis, unbalanced bone remodeling, osteophyte formation, and neoangiogenesis. Whether drug control of complement activation may be a future therapeutic strategy in the treatment of OA and prevent its progression is a subject of future studies.