Fig. 1
From: Cytomegalovirus infection: friend or foe in rheumatoid arthritis?
Overview of the mechanistic role of HCMV in the articular damage in RA. Infection of monocytes by HCMV induces QKI5 that inhibits the expression of CSF-1R and inhibits CIITA. Consequently, OC differentiation is inhibited. Infected monocytes differentiate into “M1-like” macrophages that produce pro-inflammatory cytokines and help fibroblasts produce metalloproteases. Production of viral IL-10 may contribute to perpetuate to decreased OC differentiation. Contribution to the inhibition of OC differentiation may be due to IFN-γ produced by “M1-like” macrophages