TACI-ligand interactions are required for T cell activation and collagen-induced arthritis in mice

Interactions of the tumor necrosis factor superfamily members B lymphocyte stimulator (BLyS) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL) with their receptors-transmembrane activator and CAML interactor (TACI) and B cell maturation molecule (BCMA)-on B cells play an important role in the humoral immune response. Whereas BCMA is restricted to B cells, TACI is also expressed on activated T cells; we show here that TACI-Fc blocks the activation of T cells in vitro and inhibits antigen-specific T cell activation and priming in vivo. In a mouse model for rheumatoid arthritis (RA), an autoimmune disease that involves both B and T cell components, TACI-Fc treatment substantially inhibited inflammation, bone and cartilage destruction and disease development. Thus, BLyS and/or APRIL are important not only for B cell function but for T cell-mediated immune responses. Inhibition of these ligands might have therapeutic benefits for autoimmune diseases, such as RA, that involve both B and T cells.