Immunomodulation and fibroblast dynamics driving nociceptive joint pain within inflammatory synovium: Unravelling mechanisms for therapeutic advancements in osteoarthritis

Objective

Synovitis is a widely accepted sign of osteoarthritis (OA), characterised by tissue hyperplasia, where increased infiltration of immune cells and proliferation of resident fibroblasts adopt a pro-inflammatory phenotype, and increased the production of pro-inflammatory mediators that are capable of sensitising and activating sensory nociceptors, which innervate the joint tissues. As such, it is important to understand the cellular composition of synovium and their involvement in pain sensitisation to better inform the development of effective analgesics.

Methods

Studies investigating pain sensitisation in OA with a focus on immune cells and fibroblasts were identified using PubMed, Web of Science and SCOPUS.

Results

In this review, we comprehensively assess the evidence that cellular crosstalk between resident immune cells or synovial fibroblasts with joint nociceptors in inflamed OA synovium contributes to peripheral pain sensitisation. Moreover, we explore whether the elucidation of common mechanisms identified in similar joint conditions may inform the development of more effective analgesics specifically targeting OA joint pain.

Conclusion

The concept of local environment and cellular crosstalk within the inflammatory synovium as a driver of nociceptive joint pain presents a compelling opportunity for future research and therapeutic advancements.