A monoclonal antibody to alpha 4 integrin suppresses and reverses active experimental allergic encephalomyelitis
S J Kent1, S J Karlik, C Cannon
1Department of Diagnostic Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital, University of Western Ontario, London, Canada.
Abstract:
In experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), circulating leukocytes enter the central nervous system (CNS) producing inflammation, myelin damage and paralysis. Prevention of leukocyte infiltration by an antibody against alpha 4 integrin suppressed clinical and pathological features of EAE in the guinea pig. Rapid clearance of leukocytes from the CNS and reversal of clinical findings were observed when anti-alpha 4 treatment was administered during active disease. Clinical improvement was accompanied by a marked decrease in abnormal pathological findings, including demyelination. Therefore anti-alpha 4 is an effective treatment of EAE and may be similarly useful in the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis.
