Induction of T-cell tolerance in a patient with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura by single injection of humanized monoclonal antibody to CD40 ligand.
Normal B cells can be induced to express immune costimulatory molecules by activated T cells, and activated CD4 T cells can express CD40 ligand, a molecule that can engage CD40 on the B-cell surface. CD40-CD40 ligand interaction plays an important role in the pathology of certain autoimmune diseases. We report a patient with chronic idiopathic thrombocyopenic purpura (ITP) who was effectively treated with a single injection of humanized monoclonal antibody to CD40 ligand (E6040). The patient was refractory to steroid therapy, and had baseline platelet counts below 30 x 10(9)/l during the 3-month period before antibody treatment. The patient's platelet counts have increased to more than 100 x 10(9)/l long-term after E6040 administration. Platelet-associated IgG was decreased with thrombocytosis. Compared with the initial period of E6040 administration, the number of anti-GPIIb/IIIa antibody-producing B cells decreased, and proliferative response of autoreactive T cells to GPIIb/IIIa was also improved. A single injection of humanized monoclonal antibody to CD40 ligand may induce T-cell tolerance in patients with ITP.
Nomura
Shosaku
S
First Department of Internal Medicine, Kansai Medical University, 10-15 Fumizono-cho, Moriguchi, Osaka 570-8507, Japan. shosaku-n@mbp.sphere.ne.jp
Kuwana
Masataka
M
Ikeda
Yasuo
Y
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D023201:CD40 Ligand / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D007167:Immunotherapy; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016553:Purpura, Thrombocytopenic, Idiopathic / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D017634:Self Tolerance; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology*
D000911:Antibodies, Monoclonal; D023201:CD40 Ligand