Blockade of Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells-1 as a new therapy of arthritis

Abstract

Triggering receptor expressed on myeloid cells (TREM)-1 belongs to an immunoglobulin super family and is expressed on neutrophils, mature monocytes and macrophages. The engagement of TREM-1 synergizes with several Toll Like Receptors (TLR) activation in amplifying the inflammatory response. TREM-1 blockade using a fusion protein containing murine TREM-1 extracellular domain and human immunoglobulin Fc portion was reported to prevent death in mouse models of microbial peritonitis and protect from organ damage during other inflammatory diseases. There are many reports suggesting the involvement of TREM-1 in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Blockade of TREM-1 could be a new therapeutic target in rheumatoid arthritis without impairing the host defense against microbes. In this report, we outline the role of TREM-1 and the trial of developing antirheumatic drugs by targeting its ligand. © 2012, The Japan Society for Clinical Immunology. All rights reserved.