T-cell stimulating vaccines empower CD3 bispecific antibody therapy in solid tumors.

CD3 bispecific antibody (CD3 bsAb) therapy is clinically approved for refractory hematological malignancies, but responses in solid tumors have been limited so far. One of the main hurdles in solid tumors is the lack of sufficient T-cell infiltrate. Here, we show that pre-treatment vaccination, even when composed of tumor-unrelated antigens, induces CXCR3-mediated T-cell influx in immunologically 'cold' tumor models in male mice. In the absence of CD3 bsAb, the infiltrate is confined to the tumor invasive margin, whereas subsequent CD3 bsAb administration induces infiltration of activated effector CD8 T cells into the tumor cell nests. This combination therapy installs a broadly inflamed Th1-type tumor microenvironment, resulting in effective tumor eradication. Multiple vaccination formulations, including synthetic long peptides and viruses, empower CD3 bsAb therapy. Our results imply that eliciting tumor infiltration with vaccine-induced tumor-(un)related T cells can greatly improve the efficacy of CD3 bsAbs in solid tumors.

Local inhibition of TGF-ß1 signaling improves Th17/Treg balance but not joint pathology during experimental arthritis.

TGF-ß1 is an important growth factor to promote the differentiation of T helper 17 (Th17) and regulatory T cells (Treg). The potential of TGF-ß1 as therapeutic target in T cell-mediated diseases like rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is unclear. We investigated the effect of TGF-ß1 inhibition on murine Th17 differentiation in vitro, on human RA synovial explants ex vivo, and on the development of experimental arthritis in vivo. Murine splenocytes were differentiated into Th17 cells, and the effect of the TGF-ßRI inhibitor SB-505124 was studied. Synovial biopsies were cultured in the presence or absence of SB-505124. Experimental arthritis was induced in C57Bl6 mice and treated daily with SB-505124. Flow cytometry analysis was performed to measure different T cell subsets. Histological sections were analysed to determine joint inflammation and destruction. SB-505124 potently reduced murine Th17 differentiation by decreasing Il17a and Rorc gene expression and IL-17 protein production. SB-505124 significantly suppressed IL-6 production by synovial explants. In vivo, SB-505124 reduced Th17 numbers, while increased numbers of Tregs were observed. Despite this skewed Th17/Treg balance, SB-505124 treatment did not result in suppression of joint inflammation and destruction. Blocking TGF-ß1 signalling suppresses Th17 differentiation and improves the Th17/Treg balance. However, local SB-505124 treatment does not suppress experimental arthritis.

Corrigendum: Bacillus Calmette-Guérin-Induced Trained Immunity Is Not Protective for Experimental Influenza A/Anhui/1/2013 (H7N9) Infection in Mice.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2018.00869.].

Bacillus Calmette-Guérin-Induced Trained Immunity Is Not Protective for Experimental Influenza A/Anhui/1/2013 (H7N9) Infection in Mice.

Avian influenza A of the subtype H7N9 has been responsible for almost 1,600 confirmed human infections and more than 600 deaths since its first outbreak in 2013. Although sustained human-to-human transmission has not been reported yet, further adaptations to humans in the viral genome could potentially lead to an influenza pandemic, which may have severe consequences due to the absence of pre-existent immunity to this strain at population level. Currently there is no influenza A (H7N9) vaccine available. Therefore, in case of a pandemic outbreak, alternative preventive approaches are needed, ideally even independent of the type of influenza virus outbreak. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is known to induce strong heterologous immunological effects, and it has been shown that BCG protects against non-related infection challenges in several mouse models. BCG immunization of mice as well as human induces trained innate immune responses, resulting in increased cytokine responses upon subsequent ex vivo peripheral blood mononuclear cell restimulation. We investigated whether BCG (Statens Serum Institut-Denmark)-induced trained immunity may protect against a lethal avian influenza A/Anhui/1/2013 (H7N9) challenge. Here, we show that isolated splenocytes as well as peritoneal macrophages of BCG-immunized BALB/c mice displayed a trained immunity phenotype resulting in increased innate cytokine responses upon ex vivo restimulation. However, after H7N9 infection, no significant differences were found between the BCG immunized and the vehicle control group at the level of survival, weight loss, pulmonary influenza A nucleoprotein staining, or histopathology. In conclusion, BCG-induced trained immunity did not result in protection in an oseltamivir-sensitive influenza A/Anhui/1/2013 (H7N9) challenge mouse model.

Higher efficacy of anti-IL-6/IL-21 combination therapy compared to monotherapy in the induction phase of Th17-driven experimental arthritis.

Th17 cells and their cytokines are linked to the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis, a chronic autoimmune disease characterized by joint inflammation. Th17 development is initiated by combined signaling of TGF-ß and IL-6 or IL-21, and can be reduced in the absence of either IL-6 or IL-21. The aim of this study was to assess whether combinatorial IL-6/IL-21 blockade would more potently inhibit Th17 development, and be more efficacious in treating arthritis than targeting either cytokine. We assessed in vitro Th17 differentiation efficacy in the absence of IL-6 and/or IL-21. To investigate in vivo effects of IL-6/IL-21 blockade on Th17 and arthritis development, antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) was induced in IL-6-/- x IL-21R-/- mice. The therapeutic potential of this combined blocking strategy was assessed by treating mice with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) with anti-IL-6R antibodies and soluble (s)IL-21R.Fc. We demonstrated that combined IL-6/IL-21 blocking synergistically reduced in vitro Th17 differentiation. In mice with AIA, absence of IL-6 and IL-21 signaling more strongly reduced Th17 levels and resulted in stronger suppression of arthritis than the absence of either cytokine. Additionally, anti-IL-6/anti-IL-21 treatment of CIA mice during the arthritis induction phase reduced disease development more potent than IL-6 or IL-21 inhibition alone, as effective as anti-TNF treatment. Collectively, these results suggest dual IL-6/IL-21 inhibition may be a more efficacious therapeutic strategy compared to single cytokine blockade to suppress arthritis development.

Periodontal pathogens directly promote autoimmune experimental arthritis by inducing a TLR2- and IL-1-driven Th17 response.

Increasing epidemiologic evidence supports a link between periodontitis and rheumatoid arthritis. The actual involvement of periodontitis in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis and the underlying mechanisms remain, however, poorly understood. We investigated the influence of concomitant periodontitis on clinical and histopathologic characteristics of T cell-mediated experimental arthritis and evaluated modulation of type II collagen (CII)-reactive Th cell phenotype as a potential mechanism. Repeated oral inoculations of periodontal pathogens Porphyromonas gingivalis and Prevotella nigrescens induced periodontitis in mice, as evidenced by alveolar bone resorption. Interestingly, concurrent periodontitis induced by both bacteria significantly aggravated the severity of collagen-induced arthritis. Exacerbation of arthritis was characterized by increased arthritic bone erosion, whereas cartilage damage remained unaffected. Both P. gingivalis and P. nigrescens skewed the CII-specific T cell response in lymph nodes draining arthritic joints toward the Th17 phenotype without affecting Th1. Importantly, the levels of IL-17 induced by periodontal pathogens in CII-specific T cells directly correlated with the intensity of arthritic bone erosion, suggesting relevance in pathology. Furthermore, IL-17 production was significantly correlated with periodontal disease-induced IL-6 in lymph node cell cultures. The effects of the two bacteria diverged in that P. nigrescens, in contrast to P. gingivalis, suppressed the joint-protective type 2 cytokines, including IL-4. Further in vitro studies showed that the Th17 induction strongly depended on TLR2 expression on APCs and was highly promoted by IL-1. Our data provide evidence of the involvement of periodontitis in the pathogenesis of T cell-driven arthritis through induction of Ag-specific Th17 response.

Interleukin-21 receptor deficiency increases the initial toll-like receptor 2 response but protects against joint pathology by reducing Th1 and Th17 cells during streptococcal cell wall arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: The cytokine interleukin-21 (IL-21) can have both proinflammatory and immunosuppressive effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential dual role of IL-21 in experimental arthritis in relation to Th17 cells. METHODS: Antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) and chronic streptococcal cell wall (SCW) arthritis were induced in IL-21 receptor-deficient (IL-21R(-/-) ) and wild-type mice. Knee joints, synovial tissue, and serum were analyzed for arthritis pathology and inflammatory markers. RESULTS: During AIA and chronic SCW arthritis, IL-21R deficiency protected against severe inflammation and joint destruction. This was accompanied by suppressed serum IgG1 levels and antigen-specific T cell responses. Levels of IL-17 were reduced during AIA, and synovial lymphocytes isolated during SCW arthritis for flow cytometry demonstrated that mainly IL-17+ interferon-γ (IFNγ)-positive T cells were reduced in IL-21R(-/-) mice. However, during the acute phases of SCW arthritis, significantly higher joint swelling scores were observed, consistent with enhanced tumor necrosis factor and IL-6 expression. Interestingly, IL-21R(-/-) mice were significantly less capable of up-regulating suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS-1) and SOCS-3 messenger RNA. IL-21 stimulation also affected the Toll-like receptor 2 (TLR-2)/caspase recruitment domain 15 response to SCW fragments in vitro, indicating that impaired SOCS regulation in the absence of IL-21 signaling might contribute to the increased local activation during SCW arthritis. CONCLUSION: In contrast to the proinflammatory role of IL-21 in adaptive immunity, which drives IL-17+IFN+ cells and joint pathology during chronic experimental arthritis, IL-21 also has an important immunosuppressive role, presumably by inhibiting TLR signaling via SOCS-1 and SOCS-3. If this dual role of IL-21 in various immune processes is present in human disease, it could make IL-21 a difficult therapeutic target in rheumatoid arthritis.

Proteome-wide analysis and CXCL4 as a biomarker in systemic sclerosis.

BACKGROUND: Plasmacytoid dendritic cells have been implicated in the pathogenesis of systemic sclerosis through mechanisms beyond the previously suggested production of type I interferon. METHODS: We isolated plasmacytoid dendritic cells from healthy persons and from patients with systemic sclerosis who had distinct clinical phenotypes. We then performed proteome-wide analysis and validated these observations in five large cohorts of patients with systemic sclerosis. Next, we compared the results with those in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus, ankylosing spondylitis, and hepatic fibrosis. We correlated plasma levels of CXCL4 protein with features of systemic sclerosis and studied the direct effects of CXCL4 in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS: Proteome-wide analysis and validation showed that CXCL4 is the predominant protein secreted by plasmacytoid dendritic cells in systemic sclerosis, both in circulation and in skin. The mean (±SD) level of CXCL4 in patients with systemic sclerosis was 25,624±2652 pg per milliliter, which was significantly higher than the level in controls (92.5±77.9 pg per milliliter) and than the level in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (1346±1011 pg per milliliter), ankylosing spondylitis (1368±1162 pg per milliliter), or liver fibrosis (1668±1263 pg per milliliter). CXCL4 levels correlated with skin and lung fibrosis and with pulmonary arterial hypertension. Among chemokines, only CXCL4 predicted the risk and progression of systemic sclerosis. In vitro, CXCL4 down-regulated expression of transcription factor FLI1, induced markers of endothelial-cell activation, and potentiated responses of toll-like receptors. In vivo, CXCL4 induced the influx of inflammatory cells and skin transcriptome changes, as in systemic sclerosis. CONCLUSIONS: Levels of CXCL4 were elevated in patients with systemic sclerosis and correlated with the presence and progression of complications, such as lung fibrosis and pulmonary arterial hypertension. (Funded by the Dutch Arthritis Association and others.).

Exposure to Candida albicans polarizes a T-cell driven arthritis model towards Th17 responses, resulting in a more destructive arthritis.

BACKGROUND: Fungal components have been shown very effective in generating Th17 responses. We investigated whether exposure to a minute amount of C. albicans in the arthritic joint altered the local cytokine environment, leading to enhanced Th17 expansion and resulting in a more destructive arthritis. METHODOLOGY: Chronic SCW arthritis was induced by repeated injection with Streptococcus pyogenes (SCW) cell wall fragments into the knee joint of C57Bl/6 mice, alone or in combination with the yeast of C. albicans or Zymosan A. During the chronic phase of the arthritis, the cytokine levels, mRNA expression and histopathological analysis of the joints were performed. To investigate the phenotype of the IL-17 producing T-cells, synovial cells were isolated and analyzed by flowcytometry. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS: Intra-articular injection of either Zymosan A or C. albicans on top of the SCW injection both resulted in enhanced joint swelling and inflammation compared to the normal SCW group. However, only the addition of C. albicans during SCW arthritis resulted in severe chondrocyte death and enhanced destruction of cartilage and bone. Additionally, exposure to C. albicans led to increased IL-17 in the arthritic joint, which was accompanied by an increased synovial mRNA expression of T-bet and RORγT. Moreover, the C. albicans-injected mice had significantly more Th17 cells in the synovium, of which a large population also produced IFN-γ. CONCLUSION: This study clearly shows that minute amounts of fungal components, like C. albicans, are very potent in interfering with the local cytokine environment in an arthritic joint, thereby polarizing arthritis towards a more destructive phenotype.

T cell lessons from the rheumatoid arthritis synovium SCID mouse model: CD3-rich synovium lacks response to CTLA-4Ig but is successfully treated by interleukin-17 neutralization.

OBJECTIVE: To provide an intermediate step between classic arthritis models and clinical trials, the rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovium SCID mouse model is a valuable tool for use during preclinical research. We undertook this study to investigate the validity of this humanized mouse model using anti-tumor necrosis factor (anti-TNF) and anti-interleukin-1 (anti-IL-1) treatment and to investigate the direct effect of T cells- and B cell-related therapies on the transplanted RA synovial tissue. METHODS: CB17/SCID mice were engrafted with human RA synovial tissue and systemically treated with anti-TNF, anti-IL-1, anti-IL-17, CTLA-4Ig, anti-CD20, or isotype control antibodies. RESULTS: Validation of the model with anti-TNF treatment significantly reduced serum cytokine levels and decreased histologic inflammation, whereas anti-IL-1 therapy did not show any effect on the RA synovial grafts. In mice engrafted with B cell-rich synovial tissue, anti-CD20 treatment showed clear therapeutic effects. Surprisingly, CTLA-4Ig treatment did not show any effects in this transplantation model, despite prescreening of the synovial tissue for the presence of CD3+ T cells and the costimulatory molecules CD80 and CD86. In contrast, great therapeutic potential was observed for anti-IL-17 treatment, but only when CD3+ T cells were abundantly present in the RA synovial tissue. CONCLUSION: This human RA synovium SCID mouse model enabled us to show that CTLA-4Ig lacks direct effects on T cell activation processes in the synovial tissue. Further evidence was obtained that IL-17 might indeed be an interesting therapeutic target in RA patients with CD3-rich synovial tissue. Further characterization of the RA patients' individual synovial profiles is of great importance for achieving tailored therapy.

Anti IL-17A therapy inhibits bone loss in TNF-α-mediated murine arthritis by modulation of the T-cell balance.

Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a major inducer for inflammation and bone loss. Here, we investigated whether interleukin (IL)-17 plays a role in TNF-α-mediated inflammation and bone resorption. Human TNF-α transgenic (hTNFtg) mice were treated with a neutralizing anti-IL-17A antibody and assessed for inflammation, cartilage and bone damage. T-cell transcription factors and lymphokine patterns were measured in the LNs. IL-17A inhibition in the absence of IL-1 was also evaluated by treating hTNFtg/IL-1(-/-) mice with an IL-17A neutralizing antibody. IL-17A neutralization had only minor effects on TNF-α-induced inflammation but effectively reduced local and systemic bone loss by blocking osteoclast differentiation in vivo. Effects were based on a shift to bone-protective T-cell responses such as enhanced Th2 differentiation, IL-4 and IL-12 expression and Treg cell numbers. Whereas inflammation in hTNFtg/IL-1(-/-) mice was highly sensitive to IL-17A blockade, no shift in the T-cell lineages and no additional benefit on bone mass were observed in response to IL-17A neutralization. We thus conclude that IL-17A is a key mediator of TNF-α-induced bone loss by closely interacting with IL-1 in blocking bone protective T-cell responses.

Increased expression of interleukin-22 by synovial Th17 cells during late stages of murine experimental arthritis is controlled by interleukin-1 and enhances bone degradation.

OBJECTIVE: Interleukin-22 (IL-22) is a mediator in antimicrobial responses and inflammatory autoimmune diseases. Although IL-22 and its receptor, IL-22R, have been identified in the synovium of rheumatoid arthritis patients, the source of IL-22 and its contribution to disease pathogenicity remain to be established. This study was undertaken to investigate the regulation of IL-22 by Th17 cells in vitro and to evaluate the potential for IL-22 depletion in an experimental arthritis model using mice deficient in the IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1Ra-/-). METHODS: Naive murine T cells were cultured under conditions leading to polarization of the cells into subsets of Th1, Th2, induced Treg, and Th17. Cytokines were measured in the culture supernatants, and the cells were analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. Tissue samples from the inflamed ankle synovium of IL-1Ra-/- mice were isolated, and messenger RNA levels of marker genes were quantified. IL-1Ra-/- mice were treated with neutralizing anti-IL-22 antibodies. Synovial cells were isolated from the inflamed tissue and sorted into fractions for analysis of cytokine production. RESULTS: In vitro tests showed that Th17 cells produced high levels of IL-22 after stimulation with IL-1 or IL-23. Interestingly, a synergistic increase in the production of IL-22 was observed after combining IL-1 and IL-23. In vivo, IL-1Ra-/- mice displayed a progressive erosive arthritis, characterized by up-regulation of IL-17 in mildly and severely inflamed tissue, whereas the levels of IL-22 and IL-22R were increased only in severely inflamed synovia. Anti-IL-22 treatment of IL-1Ra-/- mice significantly reduced the inflammation and bone erosion. Analysis of isolated single cells from the inflamed synovia revealed that IL-22 was mainly produced by IL-17-expressing T cells. CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that IL-22 plays an important role in IL-1-driven chronic joint destruction.

Tumor necrosis factor-interleukin-17 interplay induces S100A8, interleukin-1ß, and matrix metalloproteinases, and drives irreversible cartilage destruction in murine arthritis: rationale for combination treatment during arthritis.

OBJECTIVE: To examine whether synovial interleukin-17 (IL-17) expression promotes tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced joint pathologic processes in vivo, and to analyze the surplus ameliorative value of neutralizing IL-17 in addition to TNF during collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). METHODS: Adenoviral vectors were used to induce overexpression of IL-17 and/or TNF in murine knee joints. In addition, mice with CIA were treated, at different stages of arthritis, with soluble IL-17 receptor (sIL-17R), TNF binding protein (TNFBP), or the combination. RESULTS: Overexpression of IL-17 and TNF resulted in joint inflammation and bone erosion in murine knees. Interestingly, IL-17 strikingly enhanced both the joint-inflammatory and joint-destructive capacity of TNF. Further analysis revealed a strongly enhanced up-regulation of S100A8, IL-1ß, and matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) messenger RNA, only when both TNF and IL-17 were present. Moreover, the increase in irreversible cartilage destruction was not merely the result of enhanced inflammation, but also was associated with a direct synergistic effect of these cytokines in the joint. S100A9 deficiency in mice protected against IL-17/TNF-induced expression of cartilage NITEGE neoepitopes. During established arthritis, the combination of sIL-17R and TNFBP was more effective than the anticytokine treatments alone, and significantly inhibited further joint inflammation and cartilage destruction. CONCLUSION: Local synovial IL-17 expression enhances the role of TNF in joint destruction. Synergy between TNF and IL-17 in vivo results in striking exaggeration of cartilage erosion, in parallel with a synergistic up-regulation of S100A8, IL-1ß, and erosive MMPs. Moreover, neutralizing IL-17 in addition to TNF further improves protection against joint damage and is still effective during late-stage CIA. Therefore, compared with anti-TNF alone, combination blocking of TNF and IL-17 may have additional therapeutic value for the treatment of destructive arthritis.

The anti-CD20 antibody rituximab reduces the Th17 cell response.

OBJECTIVE: Rituximab has been shown to be successful in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), and this unexpected finding indicates that B cells have an important role in this disease. The present study was undertaken to investigate the mechanism of action of rituximab in RA. METHODS: Twelve patients with active RA were treated with rituximab. Disease activity was evaluated using the 28-joint Disease Activity Score. Synovial biopsy samples obtained at baseline and 12 weeks after treatment initiation were analyzed by microarray, quantitative polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry. Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from healthy volunteers and from 4 patients with X-linked agammaglobulinemia were stimulated with the Th17-inducing stimulus Candida albicans, and the response in the presence and absence of rituximab was examined. RESULTS: In RA patients, rituximab reduced expression of retinoic acid-related orphan receptor γt and interleukin-22 (IL-22) and numbers of Th17-positive cells in synovial tissue, and this correlated with better clinical outcome. Rituximab did not affect tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), Th1 cell, or Treg cell responses. Rituximab strongly reduced in vitro IL-17 and IL-22 production induced by C albicans. This effect was not observed in PBMCs from patients with X-linked agammaglobulinemia. CONCLUSION: Rituximab reduced the local Th17 response in RA patients, whereas it did not influence Th1 cell, Treg cell, or TNFα responses. The decreased Th17 response was associated with reduced inflammation and better clinical outcome. Moreover, inhibition of the Th17 response by rituximab was lost in the absence of B cells, providing evidence that the effects of rituximab are due to B cell depletion. These data demonstrate an unexpected role of B cells in the development of Th17 responses, which could possibly lead to B cell-based strategies for the treatment of Th17-related autoimmune diseases.

Anti-Aspergillus human host defence relies on type 1 T helper (Th1), rather than type 17 T helper (Th17), cellular immunity.

Both interferon-gamma-producing type 1 T helper (Th1)- and interleukin-17 (IL-17)-producing Th17 cells have been proposed to be involved in anti-fungal host defence. Although invasive aspergillosis is one of the most severe human fungal infections, little is known regarding the relative importance of the Th1 versus Th17 cellular immune pathways for the human anti-Aspergillus host defence. Using human peripheral blood mononuclear cells and a system consisting of monocyte-derived macrophages with lymphocytes, we found that Aspergillus fumigatus is a weak inducer of human IL-17 but induces a strong Th1 response. These data were validated by the very low IL-17 levels in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid and serum of patients with invasive aspergillosis. Surprisingly, live A. fumigatus reduced IL-17 production induced by mitogenic stimuli. This effect was mediated through the propensity of A. fumigatus to metabolize tryptophan and release kynurenine, which modulates the inflammatory response through inhibition of IL-17 production. In conclusion, A. fumigatus does not stimulate production of IL-17 and human host defence against aspergillosis may not rely on potent Th17 responses.

The macrophage mannose receptor induces IL-17 in response to Candida albicans.

The cytokine IL-17 controls neutrophil-mediated inflammatory responses. The pattern recognition receptor(s) that induce Th17 responses during infection, in the absence of artificial mitogenic stimulation with anti-CD3/anti-CD28 antibodies, remain obscure. We investigated the innate immune receptors and pathogen-associated molecular patterns involved in triggering Th17 responses during pathogen-specific host defense. The prototypic fungal pathogen Candida albicans was found to induce IL-17 more potently than Gram-negative bacteria. Candida mannan, but not zymosan, beta-glucans, Toll-like receptor (TLR) agonists, or the NOD2 ligand MDP, induced IL-17 production in the absence of anti-CD3/anti-CD28 antibodies. Candida-induced IL-17 response was dependent on antigen-presenting cells and the macrophage mannose receptor (MR), demonstrating that Candida mannan is not simply a mitogenic stimulus. The TLR2/dectin-1 pathway, but not TLR4 or NOD2, amplified MR-induced IL-17 production. This study identifies the specific pattern recognition receptors that trigger the Th17 response induced by a human pathogen in the absence of mitogenic stimulation.

Interleukin-1 drives pathogenic Th17 cells during spontaneous arthritis in interleukin-1 receptor antagonist-deficient mice.

OBJECTIVE: Interleukin-1 receptor antagonist-deficient (IL-1Ra-/-) mice spontaneously develop an inflammatory and destructive arthritis due to unopposed excess IL-1 signaling. In this study, the role of Th17 cells and the effect of neutralization of IL-17, IL-1, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) were investigated in this IL-1-driven murine arthritis model. METHODS: T cells isolated from IL-1Ra-/- and wild-type (WT) mice were stained for IL-17 and interferon-gamma, with results assessed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. To investigate the contribution of IL-1 and IL-17 in further progression of arthritis in this model, mice were treated with neutralizing antibodies after the onset of arthritis. RESULTS: Compared with WT mice, IL-1Ra-/- mice had similar levels of Th1 cells but clearly enhanced levels of Th17 cells; this increase in the number of Th17 cells was evident even before the onset of arthritis, in young, nonarthritic IL-1Ra-/- mice. The percentage of Th17 cells increased even more after the onset of arthritis and, similar to the serum levels and local messenger RNA levels of IL-17, the percentage of IL-17+ Th17 cells clearly correlated with the severity of arthritis. Anti-IL-17 treatment prevented any further increase in inflammation and bone erosion, whereas blocking of TNFalpha after the onset of arthritis had no effect. In contrast, neutralization of IL-1 resulted in a complete suppression of arthritis. Interestingly, this anti-IL-1 treatment also significantly reduced the percentage of IL-17+ Th17 cells in the draining lymph nodes of these arthritic mice. CONCLUSION: Increased levels of Th17 cells can be detected in IL-1Ra-/- mice even preceding the onset of arthritis. In addition, the results of cytokine-blocking studies demonstrated that IL-17 contributes to the inflammation and bone erosion in this model, which suggests that IL-1 is the driving force behind the IL-17-producing Th17 cells.