Tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) plays an important role in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). TNF-α is synthesised as a membrane-anchored precursor and is fully activated by a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17)-mediated ectodomain shedding. Nardilysin (NRDC) facilitates ectodomain shedding via activation of ADAM17. This study was undertaken to elucidate the role of NRDC in RA.
NRDC-deficient (
CAIA and K/BxN STA were significantly attenuated in 
These data indicate that NRDC plays crucial roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune arthritis and could be a new therapeutic target for RA treatment.