Interleukin-6 neutralization and regulatory t cells are additive in chondroprotection from il-1beta-induced inflammation

Purpose: Inflammation is increasingly recognized as a key driver of inflammation in osteoarthritis (OA) and is present in most patients suffering from OA, yet the immunoregulation of OA remains relatively understudied. Immunosuppressive Regulatory T cells (Tregs) are present within the joint and actively secrete anti-inflammatory factors but are unable to restore homeostasis within the joint. Persistent inflammation within the joint, driven by specific inflammatory cytokines including IL-1β and IL-6, can lead to destabilization of Treg phenotype and function.