Manipulating antigenic ligand strength to selectively target myelin-reactive CD4+ T cells in EAE

J Neuroimmune Pharmacol. 2010 Jun;5(2):176-88. doi: 10.1007/s11481-009-9181-3. Epub 2009 Nov 11.

Abstract

The development of antigen-specific therapies for the selective tolerization of autoreactive T cells remains the Holy Grail for the treatment of T-cell-mediated autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS) and its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). This quest remains elusive, however, as the numerous antigen-specific strategies targeting myelin-specific T cells over the years have failed to result in clinical success. In this review, we revisit the antigen-based therapies used in the treatment of myelin-specific CD4+ T cells in the context of the functional avidity and the strength of signal of the encephalitogenic CD4+ T cell repertoire. In light of differences in activation thresholds, we propose that autoreactive T cells are not all equal, and therefore tolerance induction strategies must incorporate ligand strength in order to be successful in treating EAE and ultimately the human disease MS.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antibody Affinity
  • Antigens / immunology*
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / immunology*
  • Genes, MHC Class I
  • Humans
  • Ligands
  • Myelin Sheath / immunology*
  • Protein Binding
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / metabolism

Substances

  • Antigens
  • Ligands
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell