Fc-dependent depletion of activated T cells occurs through CD40L-specific antibody rather than costimulation blockade.
Although the underlying mechanisms are not well understood, it is generally believed that antigen recognition by T cells in the absence of costimulation may alter the immune response, leading to anergy or tolerance. Further support for this concept comes from animal models of autoimmunity and transplantation, where treatments based on costimulation blockade, in particular CD40 ligand (CD40L)-specific antibodies, have been highly effective. We investigated the mechanisms of action of an antibody to CD40L and provide evidence that its effects are dependent on the constant (Fc) region. Prolongation of graft survival is dependent on both complement- and Fc receptor-mediated mechanisms in a major histocompatibility complex (MHC)-mismatched skin transplant model. These data suggest that antibodies to CD40L act through selective depletion of activated T cells, rather than exerting immune modulation by costimulation blockade as currently postulated. This finding opens new avenues for treatment of immune disorders based on selective targeting of activated T cells.
D000818:Animals; D000906:Antibodies / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D019013:CD40 Antigens / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D023201:CD40 Ligand / Q000276:immunology*; D003165:Complement System Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D005260:Female; D006085:Graft Survival / Q000276:immunology; D007107:Immune System / Q000502:physiology; D007141:Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000166:cytology / Q000378:metabolism; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D020123:Sirolimus / Q000378:metabolism; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism*; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous
D000906:Antibodies; D019013:CD40 Antigens; D007141:Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments; D023201:CD40 Ligand; D003165:Complement System Proteins; D020123:Sirolimus