Novel protective role for MAP kinase phosphatase 2 in inflammatory arthritis

Juliane Schroeder, Kirsty Ross, Kathryn McIntosh, Shilan Jabber, Stuart Woods, Jenny Crowe, Janet Patterson Kane, James Alexander, Catherine Lawrence, Robin Plevin*

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

1 Citation (Scopus)
37 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

Objectives We have previously shown mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphatase 2 (MKP-2) to be a key regulator of proinflammatory cytokines in macrophages. In the study presented here, we investigated the role of MKP-2 in inflammatory arthritis with a particular focus on neutrophils. Methods To achieve this, we subjected MKP-2 deficient and wild type mice to collagen antibody induced arthritis, an innate model of arthritis, and determined disease pathology. To further our investigation, we depleted neutrophils in a prophylactic and therapeutic fashion. Last, we used chemotaxis assays to analyse the impact of MKP-2 deletion on neutrophil migration. Results MKP-2 -/- mice showed a significant increase in disease pathology linked to elevated levels of proarthritic cytokines and chemokines TNF-α, IL-6 and MCP-1 in comparison to wild type controls. This phenotype is prevented or abolished after administration of neutrophil depleting antibody prior or after onset of disease, respectively. While MCP-1 levels were not affected, neutrophil depletion diminished TNF-α and reduced IL-6, thus linking these cytokines to neutrophils. In vivo imaging showed that MKP-2 -/- mice had an increased influx of neutrophils into affected joints, which was higher and potentially prolonged than in wild type animals. Furthermore, using chemotaxis assays we revealed that MKP-2 deficient neutrophils migrate faster towards a Leukotriene B4 gradient. This process correlated with a reduced phosphorylation of ERK in MKP-2 -/- neutrophils. Conclusions This is the first study to show a protective role for MKP-2 in inflammatory arthritis.

Original languageEnglish
Article numbere000711
JournalRMD Open
Volume5
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 11 Jan 2019
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • arthritis
  • chemokines
  • inflammation

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Immunology and Allergy
  • Rheumatology
  • Immunology

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