Our analysis showed strong enrichment in specific genes related to pivotal growth factors (TGFB2, VEGFA), pro-inflammatory cytokines (CXCL5, CXCL6), lysosomal endopeptidases (CTSL), and specific human leukocyte antigen (HLA) alleles (HLA-DQA1, HLA-DQB1) in the C-MPNST group which have been reported to be intricately involved in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Here, CTSL is linked to rheumatoid arthritis.