Suppressive vaccination with DNA encoding a variable region gene of the T-cell receptor prevents autoimmune encephalomyelitis and activates Th2 immunity NATURE MEDICINE Waisman, A., Ruiz, P. J., Hirschberg, D. L., Gelman, A., Oksenberg, J. R., Brocke, S., Mor, F., Cohen, I. R., Steinman, L. 1996; 2 (8): 899-905

Abstract

A variable region gene of the T-cell receptor, V beta 8.2, is rearranged, and its product is expressed on pathogenic T cells that induce experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in H-2u mice after immunization with myelin basic protein (MBP). Vaccination of these mice with naked DNA encoding V beta 8.2 protected mice from EAE. Analysis of T cells reacting to the pathogenic portion of the MBP molecule indicated that in the vaccinated mice there was a reduction in the Th1 cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gama. In parallel, there was an elevation in the production of IL-4, a Th2 cytokine associated with suppression of disease. A novel feature of DNA immunization for autoimmune disease, reversal of the autoimmune response from Th1 to Th2, may make this approach attractive for treatment of Th1-mediated diseases like multiple sclerosis, juvenile diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis.

View details for Web of Science ID A1996UZ80400037

View details for PubMedID 8705860