Cartilage-binding antibodies induce pain through immune complex-mediated activation of neurons

Rheumatoid arthritis–associated joint pain is frequently observed independent of disease activity, suggesting unidentified pain mechanisms. We demonstrate that antibodies binding to cartilage, specific for collagen type II (CII) or cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP), elicit mechanical hypersensitivity in mice, uncoupled from visual, histological and molecular indications of inflammation. Cartilage antibody–induced pain-like behavior does not depend on complement activation or joint inflammation, but instead on tissue antigen recognition and local immune complex (IC) formation. smFISH and IHC suggest that neuronal Fcgr1 and Fcgr2b mRNA are transported to peripheral ends of primary afferents. CII-ICs directly activate cultured WT but not FcR chain–deficient DRG neurons. In line with this observation, CII-IC does not induce mechanical hypersensitivity in FcR chain–deficient mice. Furthermore, injection of CII antibodies does not generate pain-like behavior in FcR chain–deficient mice or mice lacking activating FcRs in neurons. In summary, this study defines functional coupling between autoantibodies and pain transmission that may facilitate the development of new disease-relevant pain therapeutics.

Source: The Journal of Experimental Medicine - August 4, 2019 Category: Internal Medicine Authors: Bersellini Farinotti, A., Wigerblad, G., Nascimento, D., Bas, D. B., Morado Urbina, C., Nandakumar, K. S., Sandor, K., Xu, B., Abdelmoaty, S., Hunt, M. A., Ängeby Möller, K., Baharpoor, A., Sinclair, J., Jardemark, K., Lanner, J. T., Khmal Tags: Autoimmunity, Innate Immunity and Inflammation, Neuroscience Articles Source Type: research