Blockade of the interleukin-7 receptor inhibits collagen-induced arthritis and is associated with reduction of T cell activity and proinflammatory mediators.

Objective To study the effects of interleukin-7 receptor α-chain (IL-7Rα) blockade on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and to investigate the effects on T cell numbers, T cell activity, and levels of proinflammatory mediators. Methods We studied the effect of anti–IL-7Rα antibody treatment on inflammation and joint destruction in CIA in mice. Numbers of thymocytes, splenocytes, T cell subsets, B cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells were assessed. Cytokines indicative of Th1, Th2, and Th17 activity and several proinflammatory mediators were assessed by multianalyte profiling in paw lysates. In addition, T cell–associated cytokines were measured in supernatants of lymph node cell cultures. Results Anti–IL-7Rα treatment significantly reduced clinical arthritis severity in association with reduced radiographic joint damage. Both thymic and splenic cellularity were reduced after treatment with anti–IL-7Rα. IL-7Rα blockade specifically reduced the total number of cells as well as numbers of naive, memory, CD4+, and CD8+ T cells from the spleen and significantly reduced T cell–associated cytokines (interferon-γ, IL-5, and IL-17). IL-7Rα blockade also decreased local levels of proinflammatory cytokines and factors associated with tissue destruction, including tumor necrosis factor α, IL-1β, IL-6, matrix metalloproteinase 9, and RANKL. IL-7Rα blockade did not significantly affect B cells, macrophages, and dendritic cells. B cell activity, indicated by serum anticollagen IgG antibodies, was not significantly altered. Conclusion Blockade of IL-7Rα potently inhibited joint inflammation and destruction in association with specific reductions of T cell numbers, T cell–associated cytokines, and numerous mediators that induce inflammation and tissue destruction. This study demonstrates an important role of IL-7R–driven immunity in experimental arthritis and indicates the therapeutic potential of IL-7Rα blockade in human arthritic conditions.