Modulation of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis by a host-versus-graft reaction: a clinicopathological study

The effect of timing of a local host-versus-graft reaction on the induction of acute experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) was studied in guinea pigs. 20 x 10(7) gamma-irradiated allogeneic cells injected 4 days after encephalitogenic challenge resulted in the development of EAE with an earlier onset, an increased delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response and an increase in lymphoid cell infiltration in the spinal cord. Challenge with allogeneic cells on days -4 and -7, however, produced a delay in onset and a protracted course of disease, with 30-40% of the animals recovering. Evidence of disease was confirmed histologically.