The soluble CD83 protein prevents bone destruction by inhibiting the formation of osteoclasts and inducing resolution of inflammation in arthritis

Here we show that soluble CD83 induces the resolution of inflammation in an antigen-induced arthritis (AIA) model. Joint swelling and the arthritis-related expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6, RANKL, MMP9, and OC-Stamp were strongly reduced, while Foxp3 was induced. In addition, we observed a significant inhibition of TRAP(+) osteoclast formation, correlating with the reduced arthritic disease score. In contrast, cell-specific deletion of CD83 in human and murine precursor cells resulted in an enhanced formation of mature osteoclasts. RNA sequencing analyses, comparing sCD83- with mock treated cells, revealed a strong downregulation of osteoclastogenic factors, such as Oc-Stamp, Mmp9 and Nfatc1, Ctsk, and Trap. Concomitantly, transcripts typical for pro-resolving macrophages, e.g., Mrc1/2, Marco, Klf4, and Mertk, were upregulated. Interestingly, members of the metallothionein (MT) family, which have been associated with a reduced arthritic disease severity, were also highly induced by sCD83 in samples derived from RA patients. Finally, we elucidated the sCD83-induced signaling cascade downstream to its binding to the Toll-like receptor 4/(TLR4/MD2) receptor complex using CRISPR/Cas9-induced knockdowns of TLR4/MyD88/TRIF and MTs, revealing that sCD83 acts via the TRIF-signaling cascade. In conclusion, sCD83 represents a promising therapeutic approach to induce the resolution of inflammation and to prevent bone erosion in autoimmune arthritis.