Blood-borne soluble protein antigen intensifies T cell activation in autoimmune CNS lesions and exacerbates clinical disease.

ABSTRACT: We explored the effect of i.v. soluble antigen on autoaggressive, myelin basic protein-specific effector T cells within their target organ during acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Intravital two-photon imaging revealed that i.v. autoantigen reached the CNS and was taken up and processed by antigen-presenting cells within 30 min after injection. The exogenous autoantigen dramatically changed the motility and function of autoreactive effector T cells within the EAE lesions: T cells that had been cruising through the tissue slowed down and became tethered to local antigen-presenting cells within 1 h. One hour later, the effector T cells massively produced proinflammatory cytokines and up-regulated membranous activation markers. This strong activation of the T cells booste

SUBMITTER: Odoardi F 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC2141827 | biostudies-literature | 2007 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature