Sialylation converts arthritogenic IgG into inhibitors of collagen-induced arthritis

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA)-associated IgG antibodies such as anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) have diverse glycosylation variants; however, key sugar chains modulating the arthritogenic activity of IgG remain to be clarified. Here, we show that reduced sialylation is a common feature of RA-associated IgG in humans and in mouse models of arthritis. Genetically blocking sialylation in activated B cells results in exacerbation of joint inflammation in a collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) model. On the other hand, artificial sialylation of anti-type II collagen antibodies, including ACPAs, not only attenuates arthritogenic activity, but also suppresses the development of CIA in the antibody-infused mice, whereas sialylation of other IgG does not prevent CIA. Thus, our data demonstrate that sialylation levels control the arthritogenicity of RA-associated IgG, presenting a potential target for antigen-specific immunotherapy.
Post-translational modifications, such as glycosylation and sialylation, are thought to confer disease modifying effects on autoimmune-associated antibodies, including anti-citrullinated protein antibodies in rheumatoid arthritis. Here the authors show that sialylation converts arthritogenic IgG into inhibitors of collagen-induced arthritis in mice.