Meniscal cells

Meniscal cells, primarily composed of fibrochondrocytes, are the specialized cell populations inhabiting the knee meniscus and are responsible for synthesizing and maintaining its fibrocartilaginous extracellular matrix (ECM) (PubMed Central, 2013). These cells are heterogeneously distributed; chondrocyte-like cells in the inner avascular zone produce a matrix rich in type II collagen and aggrecan, while fibroblast-like cells in the outer vascular zone primarily synthesize type I collagen (ScienceDirect, 2020). Beyond their structural roles, meniscal cells act as mechanosensors that translate physical forces into biological signals through various mechanotransduction pathways (Frontiers, 2021). In pathological states like osteoarthritis or following traumatic injury, these cells shift toward a catabolic phenotype, secreting inflammatory cytokines and matrix-degrading enzymes such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and ADAMTS, which further drive joint degeneration (Connective Tissue Research, 2017). Although they are a cell type rather than a single molecular target, therapeutic interventions often focus on modulating signaling pathways within these cells or employing them in regenerative tissue engineering strategies (eLife, 2022).

Other names

FibrochondrocytesMeniscus cellsMeniscal fibrochondrocytesKnee meniscus cells

Current therapeutic strategies do not target the cells as a molecule but rather modulate their intracellular signaling (e.g., IL-1 receptor antagonism to reduce catabolism) or provide biological scaffolds to support their regenerative capacity.