Cytokine-dependent but acquired immunity-independent arthritis caused by DNA escaped from degradation

DNase II digests the chromosomal DNA in macrophages after apoptotic cells and nuclei from erythroid precursors are engulfed. The DNase II-null mice develop a polyarthritis that resembles rheumatoid arthritis. Here, we showed that when bone marrow cells from the DNase II-deficient mice were transferred to the wildtype mice, they developed arthritis. A deficiency of Rag2 or a lack of lymphocytes accelerated arthritis of the DNase II-null mice, suggesting that the DNase II-/- macrophages were responsible for triggering arthritis, and their lymphocytes worked protectively. A high level of TNF alpha, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 was found in the affected joints of the DNase II-null mice, suggesting an inflammatory-skewed cytokine storm was established in the joints. A lack of TNF alpha, IL-1 beta, or IL-6 gene blocked the expression of the other cytokine genes as well and inhibited the development of arthritis. Neutralization of TNF alpha, IL-1 beta, or IL-6 had a therapeutic effect on the developed arthritis of the DNase II-null mice, indicating that the cytokine storm was essential for the maintenance of arthritis in the DNase II-deficient mice. Methotrexate, an antimetabolite that is often used to treat patients with rheumatoid arthritis, had a therapeutic effect with the DNase II-null mice. These properties of arthritis in the DNase II-null mice were similar to those found in human systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis or Still's disease, indicating that the DNase II-null mice are a good animal model of this type of arthritis.