While CTLA-4 deficiency caused the rapid-onset of systemic autoimmunity, PD-1 deficiency resulted in spontaneous development of lupus like arthritis, splenomegaly, glomerulonephritis, increased number of B-lymphocytes and myeloid cells, and increased serum IgA, IgG2b and IgG3 in C57BL/6 mice. Here, PDCD1 is linked to arthritic joint disease.