Therapeutic effect of anti-Fas antibody on a collagen induced arthritis model.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the therapeutic effect of anti-Fas monoclonal antibody (Mab, RK-8) in collagen induced arthritis (CIA). METHODS: CD1F1 mice were immunized with bovine type II collagen to induce CIA and were treated with RK-8 intravenously. The effect of RK-8 was monitored by visual scoring. ELISA to detect serum anti-type II collagen antibody was performed on Day 47 and 70. Histopathological analysis was performed on Days 31 and 72. Digital micrography was performed on Day 72. RESULTS: RK-8 treatment almost completely prevented CIA. This suppressive effect continued after RK-8 was discontinued. RK-8 significantly suppressed the serum anti-type II collagen antibody level on Day 47. Histological analysis revealed that RK-8 significantly reduced joint histopathology, as determined by the infiltration of inflammatory cells and cartilage damage, consistent with digital micrography. CONCLUSION: Administration of anti-Fas Mab may be a useful therapeutic strategy for rheumatoid arthritis if used early in the disease.