Therapeutic targets for rheumatoid arthritis: lessons from animal models

We found that the expression of C-type lectin receptor (CLR) genes was augmented in the affected joints of these models using DNA microarrays. Dendritic cell immunoreceptor (DCIR) is one of such CLRs with a carbohydrate recognition domain in their extracellular carboxy terminus and an ITIM in its intracellular amino terminus. Because human shared syntenic locus containing the Dcir gene is linked to several autoimmune diseases including RA and SLE, we have generated Dcir KO mice to examine the roles of this gene in the immune system. We found that aged Dcir KO mice spontaneously developed sialadenitis and enthesitis associated with elevated serum autoantibodies [2]. DCs were excessively expanded in Dcir KO mice after aging. Dcir KO mouse-derived bone marrow cells (BMCs) differentiated into DCs more efficiently than did wild-type BMCs upon treatment with GM-CSF, owing to enhanced STAT-5 phosphorylation. These findings indicate that DCIR is crucial for maintaining the homeostasis of the immune system, suggesting that Dcir is one of novel targets for the treatment of RA.We have also found that the expression of Muratin1, which encodes uncharacterized and secreted protein, is specifically up-regulated in affected joins of both models. Interestingly, the development of collagen-induced arthritis was markedly exacerbated in Muratin1 KO mice. I would like to discuss the roles of Muratin-1 in the development of arthritis.