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The immunologic response in mice unresponsive to experimental allergic encephalomyelitis
Journal of Immunology (Baltimore, Md. : 1950)
|April 1, 1981
Summary
Suppressor cells protect mice against experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) by specifically inhibiting the immune response to basic encephalitogenic protein (BE). These cells act during both the induction and effector phases of the immune response.
Area of Science:
- Immunology
- Neuroscience
Background:
- Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is an animal model for multiple sclerosis.
- Suppressor cells play a critical role in regulating immune responses and preventing autoimmunity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of suppressor cells in antigen-induced protection against EAE.
- To determine the effect of these suppressor cells on the cellular immune response to basic encephalitogenic protein (BE) and purified protein derivative (PPD).
Main Methods:
- Studied cellular immune responses in mice with induced or transferred unresponsiveness to EAE.
- Assayed delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response to BE using a radiometric ear skin test.
- Investigated the effect of suppressor cells on the passive transfer of DTH response.
Main Results:
- DTH response to BE was suppressed in EAE-protected mice.
- Preinjection of suppressor cells inhibited the passive transfer of DTH response to BE.
- Suppressor cells did not affect the immune response to PPD, indicating specificity.
Conclusions:
- Suppressor cells mediating EAE unresponsiveness specifically regulate the cellular immune response to BE.
- These suppressor cells are likely active during both the induction and effector phases of the immune response.