The mRNA expression of BAFF and its receptors was assessed by qPCR. The expression of BAFF receptors in CD4+ T cells was analyzed by flow cytometry. The effect of CP-25 on AA rats was evaluated by their joint histopathology. The cell culture growth of thymocytes and FLS was detected by cell counting kit (CCK-8). The concentrations of IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-6 were measured by Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA).
The mRNA expression levels of BAFF and BAFF-R were enhanced in the mesenteric lymph nodes of AA rats, TACI expression was reduced, and BCMA had no change. The expression of BAFF-R in CD4+ T cells was also enhanced. CP-25 alleviated the joint histopathology and decreased the expression of BAFF-R in CD4+ T cells from AA rats in vivo. In vitro, CP-25 inhibited the abnormal cell culture growth of BAFF-stimulated thymocytes and FLS. In the co-culture system, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α production was enhanced by FLS co-cultured with BAFF-activated CD4+ T cells. Moreover, BAFF-stimulated CD4+ T cells promoted the cell culture growth of FLS. The addition of CP-25 decreased the expression of BAFF-R in CD4+ T cells and inhibited the cell culture growth and cytokine secretion ability of FLS co-cultured with BAFF-activated CD4+ T cells.
The present study indicates that CP-25 may repress the cell culture growth and cytokine secretion ability of FLS, and its inhibitory effects might be associated with its ability to inhibit the expression of BAFF-R in CD4+ T cells in a co-culture. These observations might provide a scientific basis for the development of new drugs for the treatment of autoimmune diseases by CP-25.