Inhibitory effect of CD147/HAb18 monoclonal antibody on cartilage erosion and synovitis in the SCID mouse model for rheumatoid arthritis

Methods. SCID-HuRAg mice were treated separately with CD147/HAb18 mAb, anti-TNF- mAb or a combination of both. The mice in control group were treated with anti-Japanese encephalitis virus mAb. The volume of engrafts was measured and the number of inflammatory cells and cartilage erosion score were examined. Expression of MMP-2, -3 and -9 was determined by immunohistochemistry. Human inflammatory cytokine levels in mouse sera were assessed using cytometric bead array kit. Results. The volume of engrafts decreased significantly in SCID-HuRAg mice treated separately with anti-CD147 mAb or anti-TNF- mAb, and in the mice treated with anti-CD147 mAb plus anti-TNF- mAb (P 0.05). Significant reduction was observed in cartilage erosion score in anti-CD147 treatment group and combined treatment group (P 0.05). Immunohistochemical analysis showed that expression of MMP-2, -3 and -9 was lower in the anti-CD147 treatment group and combined treatment group than in the control mAb group (P 0.05). Moreover, the level of TNF-, IL-6 and -8 in CD147 mAb group showed a significant decrease compared with that of the control mAb group (P 0.05). Conclusions. CD147/HAb18 mAb can reduce cartilage erosion and synovitis by inhibition of the MMPs and reduction of inflammatory cytokines in SCID-HuRAg mice, which suggests that CD147/HAb18 mAb is a promising treatment option for RA patients.