IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) suppresses a hyper-IL-17 response-mediated bone loss in a murine experimental periodontitis

We aimed to assess the role of interleukin − 1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) in a ligature-induced periodontal (LIP) model and the mechanism of IL-1RA in regulating the IL-17-mediated periodontal bone loss. Periodontal bone loss was induced through the LIP model in WT and Il1ra-/- mice and measured by micro(μ) CT. Transcription of upstream IL-17 production signals and downstream targets in the ligated gingiva was compared by the real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) between WT and Il1ra-/- mice. Single-cell suspensions were prepared in gingiva and cervical lymph nodes and were analyzed by fluorescence-activated cell sorting to quantify IL-17+ cells and IL-17-secreting subpopulations. We locally delivered an anti-IL-17 neutralizing antibody to the ligated gingiva and compared the bone loss with the isotype control antibody-treated Il1ra-/- mice. Il1ra-/- mice manifested significantly more bone loss than that of WT mice in the LIP model. Il17 and IL-17-associated transcripts (Il1b, Il6, Il23, Tgfb), Inos, Mrc1, Mmp13, and Rank were upregulated in the gingiva of Il1ra-/- mice in comparison to WT mice. Significantly more IL-17+ immune cells (CD45+IL17+) are present in the gingiva of Il1ra-/- mice with the majority of being TCR γδ T cells (CD45+IL-17+CD3+TCR γδ+) than WT mice. The anti-IL-17 neutralizing antibody treatment attenuated the alveolar bone loss in the LIP model. IL-1RA plays a protective role in the murine LIP model by suppressing an expansion of the IL-17+ cells and preventing a hyper-IL-17 response in the gingiva. •IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) inhibits bone loss in experimental periodontitis.•Mice with null Il1ra manifested severe gingival inflammation.•The experimental periodontitis in Il1ra null mice is mediated by excess IL-17.•IL-1RA suppresses the IL-17 response in experimental periodontitis.