PD-1/PD-L1, but not PD-1/PD-L2, interactions regulate the severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Interactions between PD-1 and its two differentially expressed ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, attenuate T cell activation and effector function. To determine the role of these molecules in autoimmune disease of the CNS, PD-1-/-, PD-L1-/- and PD-L2-/- mice were generated and immunized to induce experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). PD-1-/- and PD-L1-/- mice developed more severe EAE than wild type and PD-L2-/- mice.

Cytosolic phospholipase A2 alpha-deficient mice are resistant to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a Th1-mediated inflammatory disease of the central nervous system (CNS), is a model of human multiple sclerosis. Cytosolic phospholipase A2alpha (cPLA2alpha), which initiates production of prostaglandins, leukotrienes, and platelet-activating factor, is present in EAE lesions. Using myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) immunization, as well as an adoptive transfer model, we showed that cPLA2alpha-/- mice are resistant to EAE.

Characterization of and osteoarthritis susceptibility in ADAMTS-4-knockout mice.

Objective: To determine the importance of the enzymatic activity of ADAMTS-4 in normal growth and development and to evaluate the role of ADAMTS-4 in the progression of osteoarthritis (OA).

Methods: We generated catalytic domain-deleted ADAMTS-4-transgenic mice and performed extensive gross and histologic analyses of various organs. The mice were challenged by surgical induction of joint instability leading to OA, to determine the importance of the enzymatic activity of ADAMTS-4 in the progression of the disease.