Low-Dose Radiotherapy Attenuates Experimental Autoimmune Arthritis by Inducing Apoptosis of Lymphocytes and Fibroblast-Like Synoviocytes
- Author:
Bo-Gyu KIM
1
;
Hoon Sik CHOI
;
Yong-ho CHOE
;
Hyun Min JEON
;
Ji Yeon HEO
;
Yun-Hong CHEON
;
Ki Mun KANG
;
Sang-Il LEE
;
Bae Kwon JEONG
;
Mingyo KIM
Author Information
- Publication Type:Brief Communication
- From:Immune Network 2024;24(4):e32-
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
- Abstract: Low-dose radiotherapy (LDRT) has been explored as a treatment option for various inflammatory diseases; however, its application in the context of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is lacking. This study aimed to elucidate the mechanism underlying LDRT-based treatment for RA and standardize it. LDRT reduced the total numbers of immune cells, but increased the apoptotic CD4+ T and B220+ B cells, in the draining lymph nodes of collagen induced arthritis and K/BxN models. In addition, it significantly reduced the severity of various pathological manifestations, including bone destruction, cartilage erosion, and swelling of hind limb ankle. Post-LDRT, the proportion of apoptotic CD4+ T and CD19 + B cells increased significantly in the PBMCs derived from human patients with RA. LDRT showed a similar effect in fibroblast-like synoviocytes as well. In conclusion, we report that LDRT induces apoptosis in immune cells and fibro-blast-like synoviocytes, contributing to attenuation of arthritis.
