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Updated: May 7, 2026

A Cryo-pulverization Protocol for Processing Mouse Paws to Evaluate Molecular Pathways of Tissue Inflammation in a Collagen Induced Arthritis Model
11:03

A Cryo-pulverization Protocol for Processing Mouse Paws to Evaluate Molecular Pathways of Tissue Inflammation in a Collagen Induced Arthritis Model

Published on: October 30, 2019

Inhibition of P2X4 suppresses joint inflammation and damage in collagen-induced arthritis

Faxin Li1, Nongjian Guo, Yuxia Ma

  • 1Department of Rheumatology, Jinan Central Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, 250013, Shandong, China.

Inflammation
|September 25, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Inhibiting the P2X4 receptor with antisense oligonucleotide (asODN) reduced arthritis symptoms and joint destruction in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mouse model. This therapeutic benefit is linked to suppressing NLRP1 inflammasome activation.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Rheumatology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • The purinergic receptor P2X4 is implicated in inflammatory processes.
  • Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) is a common model for studying rheumatoid arthritis and autoimmune diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the therapeutic potential of P2X4 inhibition in the CIA model.
  • To elucidate the role of P2X4 in arthritis development and autoimmunity.

Main Methods:

  • Mice with CIA were treated with P2X4 antisense oligonucleotide (asODN) administered intravenously daily for 14 days.
  • Clinical scores, serum cytokine levels (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17), synovial inflammation, joint destruction, and NLRP1 inflammasome activation were assessed.

Main Results:

  • P2X4 asODN treatment significantly reduced clinical scores in CIA mice.
  • Serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-17 were decreased by P2X4 asODN.
  • Synovial inflammation, joint destruction, and NLRP1 inflammasome activation were significantly inhibited in CIA mice and human rheumatoid arthritis synovial cells.

Conclusions:

  • P2X4 asODN demonstrates therapeutic efficacy in the CIA model of arthritis.
  • The mechanism of action involves the suppression of the NLRP1 inflammasome signaling pathway.

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