MMP3 and rheumatoid arthritis: These cells shared basic characteristics of MCPCs, but still exhibited the following main differences: RA-MCPCs expressed IL-17 receptors and resulted in the upregulation of IL-6 and matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3) and exhibited a reduced chondrogenic potential, indicating that IL-17 blockade might be a new therapeutic option for RA [54].