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Myelin specific Th1 cells are necessary for post-traumatic protective autoimmunity
Jonathan Kipnis1, Tal Mizrahi, Eti Yoles
1Department of Neurobiology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, 76100, Rehovot, Israel.
Journal of Neuroimmunology
|September 13, 2002
Summary
Autoimmune responses targeting myelin can protect neurons from injury. This study shows that specific T cells (Th1) mediate both autoimmune disease and neuroprotection, with CD4+ T cells influencing beneficial outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Immunology
Background:
- Myelin-specific T cells cause experimental autoimmune disease.
- These T cells also protect the central nervous system from post-traumatic degeneration.
- Neuronal resistance to injury correlates with resistance to autoimmune disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of autoimmunity in protecting optic nerve neurons from secondary degeneration.
- To determine if the same T cells mediate both autoimmune disease and neuroprotection.
- To identify cellular components involved in autoimmune neuroprotection.
Main Methods:
- Immunization with myelin basic protein in adjuvant.
- Passive transfer of myelin-specific Th1 cells.
- Assessment of optic nerve neuron survival after crush injury.
Main Results:
- Immunization protected optic nerve neurons from secondary degeneration in both resistant and susceptible rats.
- Both detrimental autoimmune disease and beneficial neuroprotection stem from myelin-specific, proinflammatory Th1 cells.
- Neuroprotection by Th1 cells requires the activity of an additional CD4+ T cell population.
Conclusions:
- Autoimmune neuroprotection is mediated by Th1 cells, but its beneficial effect depends on CD4+ T cells.
- Understanding these cellular interactions may lead to neuroprotection strategies without autoimmune side effects.