Effect of Tumor Necrosis Factor-Related Apoptosis-Inducing Ligand on the Reduction of Joint Inflammation in Experimental Rheumatoid Arthritis

This study focused on the potential therapeutic effect of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and on the elucidation of the mechanisms involved. DBA/1J mice with established CIA were treated with various amount of recombinant soluble human TRAIL. The effects of TRAIL on the development and severity of CIA in this DBA/1J mouse model were assessed clinically and histologically, and a detailed investigation was conducted on proinflammatory cytokine and anticollagen-specific antibody levels. Cellular immunity was evaluated by investigating the proliferative responses and cytokine release profiles of spleno-cytes after TRAIL treatment. TRAIL treatment significantly re-duced the severity and incidence of CIA, joint swelling, ery-thema, and edema. Histologic evaluations revealed tha