Role of PI3Kδ and PI3Kγ in inflammatory arthritis and tissue localization of neutrophils

The p110 delta isoform. of class I phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) plays a major role in B cell receptor signaling, while its p110 gamma counterpart is thought to predominate in leukocyte chemotaxis. Consequently, emphasis has been placed on developing PI3K gamma selective inhibitors to treat disease states that result from inappropriate tissue accumulation of leukocytes. We now demonstrate that PI3K delta blockade is effective in treating an autoimmune disorder in which neutrophil infiltration is required for tissue injury. Using the K/BxN serum transfer model of arthritis, in which neutrophils and leukotriene B-4 (LTB4) participate, we show that genetic deletion or selective inhibition of PI3K delta diminishes joint erosion to a level comparable to its PI3K gamma counterpart. Moreover, the induction and progression of joint destruction was profoundly reduced in the absence of both PI3K isoforms and correlated with a limited ability of neutrophils to migrate into tissue in response to LTB4. However, the dynamic interplay between these isoforms is not pervasive, as fMLP-induced neutrophil extravasation was primarily reliant on PI3K gamma. Our results not only demonstrate that blockade of PI3K delta has potential therapeutic value in the treatment of chronic inflammatory conditions, but also provide evidence that dual inhibition of these lipid kinases may yield superior clinical results.