TLR2 and rheumatoid arthritis: In the present study, using whole tissue synovial explant cultures ex vivo (which closely reflect the in vivo environment) and RA mononuclear cells, we demonstrate that Pam3CSK4, a TLR1/2 agonist, significantly increases release of key cytokines, an effect that is blocked by an anti-TLR2 antibody, OPN301.