Alefacept (anti-CD2) causes a selective reduction in circulating effector memory T cells (Tem) and relative preservation of central memory T cells (Tcm) in psoriasis.
BACKGROUND
Alefacept (anti-CD2) biological therapy selectively targets effector memory T cells (Tem) in psoriasis vulgaris, a model Type 1 autoimmune disease.


METHODS
Circulating leukocytes were phenotyped in patients receiving alefacept for moderate to severe psoriasis.


RESULTS
In all patients, this treatment caused a preferential decrease in effector memory T cells (CCR7- CD45RA-) (mean 63% reduction) for both CD4+ and CD8+ Tem, while central memory T cells (Tcm) (CCR7+CD45RA-) were less affected, and naïve T cells (CCR7+CD45RA+) were relatively spared. Circulating CD8+ effector T cells and Type 1 T cells (IFN-gamma-producing) were also significantly reduced.


CONCLUSIONS
Alefacept causes a selective reduction in circulating effector memory T cells (Tem) and relative preservation of central memory T cells (Tcm) in psoriasis.
Chamian
Francesca
F
Laboratory for Investigative Dermatology, The Rockefeller University, New York, USA. mfnchamian@msn.com
Lin
Shao-Lee
SL
Lee
Edmund
E
Kikuchi
Toyoko
T
Gilleaudeau
Patricia
P
Sullivan-Whalen
Mary
M
Cardinale
Irma
I
Khatcherian
Artemis
A
Novitskaya
Inna
I
Wittkowski
Knut M
KM
Krueger
James G
JG
Lowes
Michelle A
MA
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000077944:Alefacept; D015703:Antigens, CD / Q000276:immunology; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte / Q000276:immunology; D018801:CD2 Antigens / Q000276:immunology*; D002465:Cell Movement / Q000187:drug effects; D003879:Dermatologic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007156:Immunologic Memory / Q000187:drug effects; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D008213:Lymphocyte Activation / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology; D018655:Lymphocyte Count; D016131:Lymphocyte Subsets / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010641:Phenotype; D011565:Psoriasis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013601:T-Lymphocytes / Q000187:drug effects / Q000276:immunology* / Q000473:pathology; D000099192:CD69 Antigens
D000077944:Alefacept; D015703:Antigens, CD; D000945:Antigens, Differentiation, T-Lymphocyte; D018801:CD2 Antigens; D003879:Dermatologic Agents; D037181:Lectins, C-Type; D011993:Recombinant Fusion Proteins; D000099192:CD69 Antigens