Methods for treating rheumatoid arthritis using IL-17 antagonists

Abstract

A method of treating a mammal afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis comprising administering a soluble form of IL-17 receptor is disclosed.

1 . A method of treating an individual afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis, the method comprising administering to said individual an antibody that specifically binds Interleukin-17, wherein said antibody inhibits Interleukin-17 receptor signal transduction. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising administering one or more therapeutics selected from the group consisting of TNF antagonist, IL-1 antagonist and DMARD. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the TNF antagonist is selected from the group consisting of TNF antibodies, soluble TNF receptor p75, and soluble TNF receptor p55. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the IL-1 antagonist is selected from the group consisting of soluble IL-1 receptor type II, IL-1R type I antibody, IL-1 receptor antagonist, and fusion protein comprising soluble IL-1 receptor type I, and soluble IL-1 receptor accessory protein. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2  wherein the DMARD is methotrexate.