iRHOM2 takes control of rheumatoid arthritis.
The cytokine TNF-α is a major drug target for rheumatoid arthritis, an inflammatory joint disorder. An alternative approach is to target the protease TNF-α convertase (TACE), which releases TNF-α from cells. However, because TACE cleaves other proteins involved in development and cancer, a tissue-specific inhibition of TACE in immune cells appears mandatory. In this issue of the JCI, Issuree et al. report that iRHOM2 is a TACE activator in immune cells. Loss of iRHOM2 largely protects mice from inflammatory arthritis, making iRHOM2 a potential drug target for this condition.
German Center for Neurodegenerative Diseases (DZNE), Munich, Germany. stefan.lichtenthaler@dzne.de
Stefan F
SF
Lichtenthaler
D000818:Animals; D001169:Arthritis, Experimental / Q000209:etiology*; D002352:Carrier Proteins / Q000502:physiology*; D006801:Humans
D002352:Carrier Proteins; C569468:iRhom2 protein, mouse