T-5224 is a selective inhibitor of the transcription factor c-Fos/activator protein (AP)-1 with anti-inflammatory effects. T-5224 specifically suppresses the DNA-binding activity of c-Fos/c-Jun, thereby inhibiting IL-1β-induced transcriptional upregulation of Mmp-3, Mmp-13, and Adamts-5, without affecting the binding activity of other transcription factors. T-5224 can be used in research on rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, and cartilage degeneration.

AP-1 (NIH3T3 cells):10 μM, MMP1 (SW982 cells):10 μM, β-hexosaminidase (RBL-2H3 cells):18.30 ± 1.48 µM

The DNA binding activity of transcription factors was measured using the TransAM kits. Nuclear extracts containing factors such as c-Fos/AP-1, c-Jun/AP-1, ATF-2, C/EBPa, MyoD, Sp-1 or NF-kB/p65 and various concentrations of T-5224 were added in the multi-well plates precoated with respective consensus double-stranded (ds)DNA oligomers. After incubation for 1 h, the transcription factor bound to its respective consensus dsDNA sequences was detected by using antibodies reactive against the respective transcription factors according to the manufacturer's protocol [1].

NIH/3T3 cells were transiently transfected with the luciferase reporter plasmids pAP-1-Luc (× 7 TGACTAA), pNF-kB-Luc (× 5 TGGGGACTTTCCGC) or control phRL-TK, and cultured overnight. Cells were incubated in 0.5% FBS/DMEM containing T-5224 for 1 h, and then stimulated with PMA (10 ng/ml) or TNFa (10 ng/ml), and then cultured for 3 h, followed by measurement of lysate by using dual-luciferase reporter assay system [1].

Mice were housed in an SPF (specific pathogen-free) grade environment and provided food and water ad libitum with a 12 h:12 h light/dark cycle. Male 8-week-old DBA/1J mice were immunized with bovine type II collagen emulsified in Freund's complete adjuvant on days 0 and 21. T-5224, MTX and LEF were orally administered once per day. Arthritis was assessed in a blind fashion for four paws per mouse using the following score: 0, uninvolved; 1, swelling of ≤2 toes or slight swelling in ankles and wrists; 2, swelling of ≥3 toes or moderate swelling in ankles and wrists; 3, extensive swelling of total paw. X-ray films of four paws taken using Softex were assessed for joint destruction in 2nd to 5th proximal interphalangeal joints and five metatarsophalangeal joints of four paws, the carpal joints of the forepaws, and the tarsal and calcaneal joints of the hind paws. Score was: 0, no change; 1, partial erosion; 2, complete erosion for joints; and 0, negative; 0.5, positive for osteoporosis. IL-1β (500 ng per unilateral hind paw) was administered into the footpads. The mice with ≥1 arthritis score were treated with either anti-TNFα antibody at 50 or 250 μg/mouse, intraperitoneally (i.p.) twice a week and/or with 3 mg/kg T-5224, orally once daily [1].

H2O: Insoluble

DMSO: 240 mg/mL (463.74 mM), Sonication is recommended.

10% DMSO+40% PEG300+5% Tween 80+45% Saline: 5 mg/mL (9.66 mM), Suspension.