Genes for MHC, TCR and MIs determine susceptibility to collagen induced arthritis.

Type II collagen induced arthritis (CIA) in mice is an animal model for polyarthritis. The susceptibility to the disease is linked to the class II genes of H-2 gene complex (MHC). The susceptibility requires T cells expressing certain receptors coded by the V beta genes. Further, the MIs gene products in combination with the class II molecules can up- or down-regulate the T cells involved in the disease. The disease is mediated by the presentation of an arthritogenic epitope on the collagen type II peptide by the MHC class II molecule, which is recognized by a T cell expressing certain V beta receptors, triggering the autoimmune response. These studies point out possible mechanisms of rheumatoid arthritis in humans and suggest various methods of immune intervention to down-regulate the disease.