RT Journal Article SR Electronic T1 Synergistic benefit in inflammatory arthritis by targeting IκB kinase ϵ and interferon β JF Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases JO Ann Rheum Dis FD BMJ Publishing Group Ltd and European League Against Rheumatism SP 257 OP 263 DO 10.1136/ard.2008.095356 VO 68 IS 2 A1 M Corr A1 D L Boyle A1 L Ronacher A1 N Flores A1 G S Firestein YR 2009 UL http://ard.bmj.com/content/68/2/257.abstract AB Objectives: The IκB kinase (IKK)-related kinase IKKϵ regulates type I interferon expression and responses as well as proinflammatory mediator production. We examined the role of IKKϵ in arthritis and its ability to enhance the therapeutic response to systemic interferon (IFN) β therapy in passive murine K/BxN arthritis.Methods: IKKϵ–/–, IFNα∼βR–/– and wild type mice were given K/BxN serum and treated with polyinosinic polycytidylic acid (poly(I:C)), IFNβ, or normal saline. Clinical response and histological scores were assessed. Gene expression in the paws was measured by quantitative PCR. Serum interleukin 1a receptor agonist (IL1Ra) and IL10 were measured by ELISA and multiplex bead array.Results: Arthritis was almost completely blocked in wild type mice if arthritogenic K/BxN serum and the Toll-like receptor (TLR)3 ligand, poly(I:C), were coadministered at the onset of the model, but not in established disease. Mice deficient in IFNα∼βR had an accelerated course of arthritis, and did not respond to poly(I:C). IKKϵ null mice had a modest decrease in clinical arthritis compared with heterozygous mice. Low doses of IFNβ that were ineffective in wild type mice significantly decreased clinical arthritis in IKKϵ null mice. Articular chemokine gene expression was reduced in the IKKϵ–/– mice with arthritis and secreted IL1Ra (sIL1Ra) mRNA was significantly increased. Serum levels of IL1Ra were increased in low dose IFNβ-treated IKKϵ–/– mice.Conclusions: Subtherapeutic doses of IFNβ enhance the anti-inflammatory effects of IKKϵ deficiency, possibly by increasing production of IL1Ra and unmasking the antichemokine effects. Combination therapy with low dose IFNβ and an IKKϵ inhibitor might improve efficacy of either agent alone and offers a novel approach to RA.