Activated human T cells directly induce osteoclastogenesis from human monocytes: Possible role of T cells in bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis patients

The present study is the first to demonstrate osteoclastogenesis using human-derived T cells and monocytes. In addition, the present findings suggest that excess production of RANKL by activated T cells increases the level of sRANKL in synovial fluid and may contribute to osteoclastic bone resorption in RA patients.