[Perspectives of application of anti-CD4 antibodies in the treatment of autoimmune diseases].
Autoimmune diseases are a group of chronic inflammatory diseases which in some patients can be associated with autoantibodies generating tissue lesions. The cytotoxic activity and cytokine production by T lymphocytes is most often responsible for the pathogenic effect. Several clinical trials using monoclonal antibodies against T lymphocytes have been conducted either to evaluate the immunosuppressive activity of the antibody or to gain new insight into the mechanisms involved in these diseases. The most promising antibodies are directed against the CD4 antigen because they can induce a specific tolerance in animals. The preliminary results of these clinical studies are promising as demonstrated by clinical and laboratory improvement and lack of major side effects. Some antibodies induce circulating CD4+ T cell destruction with sometimes a prolonged depletion of CD4+ T cells while others exert their effect without any decrease in CD4+ lymphocytes. No predictive factor of therapeutic efficacy has yet been identified, but the preliminary results have indicated the major objectives for future trials as well as the laboratory and clinical parameters to be used as end-points.
Morel
P
P
Laboratoire d'immunologie, INSERM U80, hôpital E-Herriot, Lyon, France.
Revillard
J P
JP
D000818:Animals; D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000276:immunology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology; D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D006801:Humans
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D015704:CD4 Antigens
Perspectives d'application des anticorps anti-CD4 au traitement des maladies auto-immunes.