ABSTRACT
In order to obtain the lead compound for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), in this study, therapeutic efficacy of three bispecific antibodies (BsAB-1, BsAB-2 and BsAB-3) against both hIL-1beta and hIL-17 were compared on CIA model mice. First, by ELISA method we compared the binding capacity of the three bispecific antibodies to the two antigens. The results showed that all three antibodies could simultaneously bind both antigens, among these antibodies, BsAB-1 was superior over BsAB-2 and BsAB-3. CIA model was established with chicken type II collagen (CII) and developed RA-like symptoms such as ankle swelling, skin tight, hind foot skin hyperemia. The CIA mice were treated with three antibodies once every two days for total of 29 days. Compared with the CIA model mice, the RA-like symptoms of the antibody treated-mice significantly relieved, while the BsAB-1 treated-mice were almost recovered. CII antibody level in the serum and cytokines (IL-2, IL-1beta, IL-17A and TNF-alpha) expression in the spleen were examined. Compared with the CIA model mice, all three antibodies could significantly reduce CII antibody and cytokine expression levels. BsAB-1 antibody was more potent than BsAB-2 and BsAB-3. In summary, BsAB-1 is superior over BsAB-2 and BsAB-3 in amelioration of RA symptoms and regulation of CII antibody production and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, therefore, BsAB-1 can be chosen as a lead compound for further development of drug candidate for treatment of RA.