Related Experiment Videos
Immunosuppression with monoclonal antibodies in multiple sclerosis
1Center for Neurologic Diseases, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115.
Neurology
|July 1, 1988
Summary
Monoclonal antibody infusions targeting T-cells show promise for multiple sclerosis therapy. Repeated use can trigger anti-mouse antibodies, potentially limiting long-term effectiveness in chronic progressive multiple sclerosis.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic, progressive neurological disease.
- Current therapies aim to modulate the immune system.
- Developing targeted, non-toxic immunotherapies is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the immunological effects of monoclonal antibody (MAb) infusions in patients with chronic progressive multiple sclerosis.
- To assess the potential of anti-T-cell MAbs as a specific and non-toxic therapy for MS.
Main Methods:
- Phase I clinical studies involving infusions of anti-T12, anti-T4, and anti-T11 MAbs.
- Assessment of in vitro immune responses, including T-cell activation and immunoglobulin synthesis.
- Monitoring for the development of human anti-mouse antibodies after repeated MAb infusions.
Main Results:
- In vivo T-cell MAb infusions suppressed in vitro immune responses.
- Anti-T11 MAb reduced T-cell activation, while anti-T4 MAb inhibited immunoglobulin synthesis.
- Repeated anti-T11 MAb infusions led to the development of human anti-mouse antibodies, some with anti-idiotypic activity.
Conclusions:
- Murine anti-T-cell MAbs offer specific, acute immunosuppression.
- Development of human anti-mouse antibodies, particularly anti-idiotypic ones, can limit the chronic use of these MAbs in MS.
- Future MAb development may overcome limitations associated with anti-antibody responses.