When CD3+, CD14+, or CD19+ PBMCs and RA-FLSs were stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS), TNF-α, or IL-6, exPKM2 levels were significantly elevated only in the conditioned medium of the CD14+ cells (Fig. 2e; p = 0.004). This evidence concerns the gene CD14 and rheumatoid arthritis.