The monoclonal antibody MEL-14 can block lymphocyte migration into a site of chronic inflammation

The effect of MEL-14, a monoclonal antibody which binds to the lymphocyte homing receptor (MEL-14 Ag) on lymphocytes for peripheral lymph node (PLN) high endothelial venules (HEV), was investigated on lymphocyte migration into a delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH)-like lesion produced by sensitization and challenge to Bordetella pertussis vaccine (BPV). Pretreatment of lymphocytes with saturating concentrations of MEL-14 caused a highly significant inhibition of lymphocyte migration into the chronically inflamed site and PLN. This finding suggests that lymphocyte migration into the BPV-induced site of chronic inflammation may be regulated by the same mechanism as lymphocyte migration into the PLN. It further indicates that the ligand for the MEL-14 Ag adhesion molecule, recognized by lymphocyte which home to the PLN, may also be expressed on HEV-like vessels at sites of BPV-induced chronic inflammation.