Depletion of T lymphocytes with immunotoxin retards the progress of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis in rhesus monkeys.
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.
Hu
H
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Laboratory of Molecular Biology, National Institute of Mental Health, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland 28092-4034, USA.
Stavrou
S
S
Cairns Baker
B
B
Tornatore
C
C
Scharff
J
J
Okunieff
P
P
Neville
D M
DM
D000818:Animals; D017252:CD3 Complex / Q000276:immunology; D004681:Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D000922:Immunotoxins / Q000494:pharmacology*; D008212:Lymphocyte Depletion; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D004676:Myelin Basic Protein / Q000276:immunology; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000502:physiology*
D017252:CD3 Complex; D000922:Immunotoxins; D004676:Myelin Basic Protein