Bioengineered particles expand myelin-specific regulatory T cells and reverse autoreactivity in a mouse model of multiple sclerosis.

ABSTRACT: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by autoreactive immune cells damaging myelinated nerves, impairing brain function. Treatments aim for tolerance induction to reeducate the immune system to recognize myelin as "self" rather than "foreign." As peripheral immune tolerance is primarily mediated by regulatory T cells (T_regs), we developed a therapy to support T_reg expansion and activity in vivo. To target, engage, and activate myelin-specific T_regs, we designed a biodegradable microparticle (MP) loaded with rapamycin and functionalized with a biased interleukin-2 (IL-2) fusion protein and a major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II loaded with a myelin peptide. These tolerogenic MPs (Tol-MPs) were validated in vitro and then e

SUBMITTER: Rhodes KR 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC10413683 | biostudies-literature | 2023 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature