Depletion of T lymphocytes with immunotoxin retards the progress of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in rhesus monkeys.

Abstract

FN18-CRM9 is an anti-rhesus anti-CD3 immunotoxin that can transiently deplete T cells to 1% of initial values in both the blood and lymph node compartments and can induce long-term tolerance to mismatched renal allografts. We have investigated the ability of this immunotoxin to interdict the course of an experimental rhesus T-cell-driven autoimmune disease, experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) induced by myelin basic protein. Monkeys showing CSF pleocytosis were then treated with FN18-CRM9 alone or in combination with cranial irradiation (325 or 650 cGy). EAE in nontreated control monkeys progressed rapidly. Paralysis occurred 4-6 days after CSF pleocytosis. Paralysis was either delayed or never occurred in treated monkeys, and histopathology revealed few inflammatory plaques that were notable for their low or absent T cell content. While T cells repopulate in the periphery posttreatment, they do not return to the CNS in large numbers, suggesting that the newly repopulated T cells have lost their previously acquired CNS homing capability. Anti-CD3 immunotoxin may be useful in treating clinical T-cell-driven autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis.

• Authors: H Hu, S Stavrou, B Cairns Baker, C Tornatore, J Scharff, P Okunieff, D M Neville Jr
• Journal: Cellular immunology (Cell Immunol) Vol. 177 Issue 1 Pg. 26-34 (Apr 10 1997) ISSN: 0008-8749 [Print] Netherlands
• PMID: 9140093 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• CD3 Complex
• Immunotoxins
• Myelin Basic Protein

Topics

• Animals
• CD3 Complex (immunology)
• Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental (prevention & control)
• Immunohistochemistry
• Immunotoxins (pharmacology)
• Lymphocyte Depletion
• Macaca mulatta
• Myelin Basic Protein (immunology)
• T-Lymphocytes (physiology)