C17 over-expression protects mice from collagen antibody-induced arthritis.

<p>Age-matched male B10.RIII mice received a hydrodynamic injection of GFP or C17 minicircle DNA in Ringer's solution. Three days later mice received a single dose of the 4-clone arthrogenic mAb cocktail (3 mg) to induce CAIA (day 0), mice were followed for eleven days and then euthanized. (A) Incidence of disease and (B) mean clinical disease scores ± SEM are shown. Thickness of both hind footpads from each animal was measured with a mechanical caliper at the time of euthanasia (C). Quantitative RT-PCR was performed on liver tissues to verify hepatic expression of C17 mRNA (D), and protein levels in the serum were measured by ELISA (E). Data shown here are representative of at least three independent experiments with at least five animals per group.