Animal models of spondyloarthritis.
OBJECTIVE
The aim of this article is to review new insights into spondyloarthritis obtained in animal models during the last year.


RESULTS
HLA-B27 misfolding has been demonstrated in HLA-B27/human beta2-microglobulin transgenic rats. HLA-B27 misfolding is associated with a typical unfolded protein stress response and with an interferon-response signature. Prebiotic treatment of these rats reduced colitis and arthritis. Proteoglycan-induced spondylitis is distinct from proteoglycan-induced arthritis. Specific susceptibility loci for proteoglycan-induced spondylitis have been demonstrated. Bone morphogenetic proteins are important in new cartilage and bone formation in ankylosing enthesitis. Psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis-like disease develops in conditional double JunB/c-Jun knockout mice.


CONCLUSIONS
Insights into the molecular signaling pathways driving HLA-B27 associated spondylitis, autoimmune spondylitis, ankylosing enthesitis and psoriasis, resulting from animal models, identify new and specific therapeutic targets in spondyloarthritis.
Lories
Rik J U
RJ
Laboratory for Skeletal Development and Joint Disorders, Division of Rheumatology, University Hospitals Leuven, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven, Belgium. Rik.Lories@uz.kuleuven.be
D000818:Animals; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D016758:Genes, jun; D015235:HLA-B Antigens / Q000276:immunology; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D018345:Mice, Knockout; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000235:genetics; D013167:Spondylitis, Ankylosing / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology*
D015235:HLA-B Antigens