Protective effect of transforming growth factor beta 1 on experimental autoimmune diseases in mice.
Interleukin 1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor alpha are thought to contribute to the inflammatory response associated with autoimmune diseases. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1) counteracts many effects of these cytokines and has various immunosuppressive properties. In the present study, it is shown that microgram amounts of TGF-beta 1, injected daily for 1-2 weeks, protect against collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and relapsing experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (REAE), the animal models for rheumatoid arthritis and multiple sclerosis, respectively. When administered during induction of the disease, TGF-beta 1 prevents CIA but only delays the onset of REAE by 2-3 days. However, when administered during a remission. TGF-beta 1 prevents the occurrence of relapses in REAE. The results suggest that TGF-beta 1 has powerful anti-inflammatory effects, mimicking in some respects the beneficial effects of immunosuppressive drugs in these experimental models of autoimmune disease, but without discernable adverse effects.
Kuruvilla
A P
AP
Department of Pathology, Kaplan Cancer Center, New York University School of Medicine, NY 10016.
Shah
R
R
Hochwald
G M
GM
Liggitt
H D
HD
Palladino
M A
MA
Thorbecke
G J
GJ
D000818:Animals; D001169:Arthritis, Experimental / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003094:Collagen; D004681:Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D008811:Mice, Inbred DBA; D008815:Mice, Inbred Strains; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012008:Recurrence; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta / Q000627:therapeutic use*
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016212:Transforming Growth Factor beta; D003094:Collagen