Retinoic acid promotes the development of Th2-like human myelin basic protein-reactive T cells.
To determine if retinoids might be beneficial in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS), all-trans-retinoic acid (tRA) was tested for its effects on proliferation and cytokine expression in human autoreactive T cells. tRA decreased human lymphocyte proliferation in vitro in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, tRA induced IL-4 gene expression in myelin basic protein (MBP)-specific T cell lines which had previously expressed a Th1-like phenotype. MBP-specific T cell lines generated in the presence of tRA had a Th2-like phenotype. Retinoids have previously been shown to have a similar effect on encephalitogenic T cells in experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE; an animal model for MS) and treatment of EAE with retinoids stabilizes the disease. Since several oral retinoids have been shown to be safe in humans, retinoids may be beneficial in the treatment of MS.
Department of Neurology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Boulevard, Dallas 75390-9036, USA. amy.lovett-racke@utsouthwestern.edu
Amy E
AE
Lovett-Racke
Michael K
MK
Racke
D001324:Autoantigens / Q000276:immunology*; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002460:Cell Line; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D006801:Humans; D007371:Interferon-gamma / Q000096:biosynthesis; D015847:Interleukin-4 / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects; D009103:Multiple Sclerosis / Q000276:immunology*; D004676:Myelin Basic Protein / Q000276:immunology*; D012333:RNA, Messenger / Q000096:biosynthesis; D018417:Th1 Cells / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D018418:Th2 Cells / Q000166:cytology / Q000276:immunology*; D014212:Tretinoin / Q000494:pharmacology*
D001324:Autoantigens; D004676:Myelin Basic Protein; D012333:RNA, Messenger; D015847:Interleukin-4; D014212:Tretinoin; D007371:Interferon-gamma