Oral administration of an immunodominant human collagen peptide modulates collagen-induced arthritis

J Immunol. 1995 Oct 1;155(7):3653-9.

Abstract

Human type II collagen (HuCII) may be one of the autoantigens involved in human rheumatoid arthritis (RA). By using over-lapping peptides, we have previously described an immunodominant region (HuCII.250-270) on HuCII. In the present study, this 21-mer HuCII.250-270 peptide was used as tolerogen, and its effect on both early and effector phase of collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) was examined. Upon immunization with HuCII-derived peptide 250-270, HuCII.250-270-tolerized mice showed diminished T cell proliferation that was mediated by Th1 cytokine, IL-2. More interestingly, oral tolerance with HuCII.250-270 peptide diminishes primarily a Th1 type of immune response. Arthritis severity was reduced markedly in mice orally tolerized with HuCII.250-270 peptide both at early and effector phases. Suppression of CIA at the effector phase by oral administration of HuCII peptide suggests a potential immunotherapeutic use of collagen II peptide in the treatment of human RA.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Administration, Oral
  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Antibody Formation / drug effects
  • Arthritis / chemically induced
  • Arthritis / drug therapy*
  • Collagen / administration & dosage*
  • Collagen / chemistry
  • Collagen / immunology
  • Disease Models, Animal
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred DBA
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology

Substances

  • Collagen