Selective ERK Activation Differentiates Mouse and Human Tolerogenic Dendritic Cells, Expands Antigen-Specific Regulatory T Cells, and Suppresses Experimental Inflammatory Arthritis

OBJECTIVE Most therapeutic treatments for autoimmune arthritis rely on immunosuppressive drugs, which have side effects. Although a previous study by our group showed that specific ERK activation suppressed immune responses, its application in a therapeutic setting has never been tested. The aim of the present study was to define the ERK-dependent immunosuppressive mechanisms and to apply selective ERK activation for the treatment of experimental inflammatory arthritis. METHODS A constitutively active ERK activator was coexpressed with a model antigen using lentivectors. Immunosuppressive mechanisms were characterized at the level of dendritic cell (DC) function, differentiation of antigen-specific Treg cells, and inhibition of inflammatory T cells. Administration of the ERK activator with antigen as a strategy to suppress inflammatory arthritis was tested in an experimental mouse model. RESULTS Selective ERK activation induced mouse and human DCs to secrete bioactive transforming growth factor β, a process required for suppression of T cell responses and differentiation of antigen-specific Treg cells. Treg cells strongly proliferated after antigen reencounter in inflammatory conditions, and these cells exhibited antigen-dependent suppressive activities. Inflammatory arthritis was effectively inhibited through antigen-specific mechanisms. Importantly, this strategy did not rely on identification of the initiating arthritogenic antigen. Equivalent mechanisms were demonstrated in human monocyte-derived DCs, setting the scene for a possible rapid translation of this approach to patients with rheumatoid arthritis. CONCLUSION This strategy of selective ERK activation resulted in an effective therapeutic protocol, with substantial advantages over DC or T cell vaccination.