Here we did not observe a significant impact of the Thbs4-deficiency on two clinical scores of rheumatoid arthritis, i.e. paw swelling and grip strength, yet loss of subchondral bone was apparently enhanced in Thbs4-deficient TNF-transgenic mice, thereby supporting the concept that Thbs4 has a protective role in articular cartilage. This evidence concerns the gene THBS4 and rheumatoid arthritis.