Interleukin-6 modulates production of T lymphocyte-derived cytokines in antigen-induced arthritis and drives inflammation-induced osteoclastogenesis

Abstract

Objective. To determine the cellular mediators of antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) and the relative contribution of members of the interleukin-6 (IL-6) family and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) in AIA. Methods. AIA was induced in mice deficient in T and B lymphocytes, IL-6 (IL-6-/-), TNF (TNF -/-), IL-11 receptor, and oncostatin M receptor, by immunization with methylated bovine serum albumin (mBSA) followed 7 days later by intraarticular injection of mBSA. Arthritis severity was assessed histologically, and T lymphocyte responses were assessed in vitro. Anti-TNF neutralizing antibody was administered to wild-type mice during AIA. Bone marrow osteoclasts were generated in vitro via culture with ..