Fig. 1. Proposed involvement of T cells in glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis.
While peripheral T cells may undergo apoptosis upon exposure to dexamethasone, some T cells accumulate in the bone marrow in a CXCL10-CXCR3 axis-dependent manner. Latter T cells are protected from cell death and promote RANKL-induced osteoclastogenesis. Illustration by Aldona von Gunten. GIOP glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis, RANK receptor activator of NF-κB, RANKL RANK ligand.