Vaccination against IL-17 suppresses autoimmune arthritis and encephalomyelitis.

Journal article

Interleukin 17 is a T cell-derived cytokine that induces the release of pro-inflammatory mediators in a wide range of cell types. Recently, a subset of IL-17-producing T helper cells (Th17) distinct from Th1 and Th2 cells has been described, which constitutes a new T cell polarization state. Aberrant Th17 responses and overexpression of IL-17 have been implicated in a number of autoimmune disorders including rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis. Molecules blocking IL-17 such as IL-17-specific monoclonal antibodies have proved to be effective in ameliorating disease in animal models. Hitherto, active immunization targeting IL-17 is an untried approach. Herein we explore the potential of neutralizing IL-17 by active immunization using virus-like particles conjugated with recombinant IL-17 (IL-17-VLP). Immunization with IL-17-VLP induced high levels of anti-IL-17 antibodies thereby overcoming natural tolerance, even in the absence of added adjuvant. Mice immunized with IL-17-VLP had lower incidence of disease, slower progression to disease and reduced scores of disease severity in both collagen-induced arthritis and experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. Active immunization against IL-17 therefore represents a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of chronic inflammatory diseases.

Authors: Röhn, T; Jennings, G; Hernandez, M; Grest, P; Beck, M

• Publication status: Published
• Journal: European journal of immunology
• Volume: 36
• Issue: 11
• Pages: 2857-2867
• Publication date: 2006-11-01
• DOI: 10.1002/eji.200636658
• EISSN: 1521-4141
• ISSN: 0014-2980
• Language: English
• Keywords: Female; Animals; Autoantibodies; Vaccines, Virosome; Extremities; Recombinant Proteins; Immunotherapy, Active; Interleukin-17; Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental; Protein Folding; Arthritis, Experimental; Mice, Inbred Strains; Mice