C57BL／6J-HBV转基因小鼠血清生化指标与性别年龄的关系

目的观察C57BL/6J-HBV乙型肝炎病毒转基因小鼠血清总胆红素（T-BIL）、丙氨酸氨基转移酶（ALT）、天冬氨酸氨基转移酶（AST）、总蛋白（TP）和白蛋白（ALB）与性别和年龄的关系，以及与遗传背景相同的C57BL／6J小鼠的差异。方法选取8周龄和24周龄的C57BL／6J-HBV转基因小鼠及C57BL／6J小鼠的血清测定T-BIL、ALT、AST、TP和ALB值。结果C57BL／6J-HBV转基因小鼠与同周龄同性别的C57BL／6J小鼠相比，T-BIL、ALT、AST、TP和ALB均存在显著差异（P〈0．05）；24周龄的C57BL／6J-HBV转基因小鼠ALT和AST与其8周龄鼠相比均存在显著差异（P〈0．05）。结论C57BL／6J-HBV转基因小鼠T-BIL、ALT、AST、TP和ALB值显著高于C57BL／6J小鼠；且C57BL／6J-HBV转基因小鼠ALT和AST值与年龄有关，与性别无关。     

不同品系小鼠在三种常见抑郁检测方法中的行为学表现

目的探讨4种不同品系小鼠在3种实验（空场实验、悬尾实验及强迫游泳实验）中的行为学差异,为抗抑郁新药研究中的实验动物选择提供参考。方法利用空场实验检测C57BL/6、BALB/c、ICR、和昆明小鼠的自主活动能力和对新奇环境的探索能力;利用悬尾实验和强迫游泳实验检测它们在应激刺激下的行为绝望状态。结果在空场实验中,BALB/c、ICR和昆明小鼠的运动总路程、运动速度和运动时间明显高于C57BL/6小鼠（P〈0.05）,ICR和昆明小鼠的直立次数也明显高于C57BL/6小鼠（P〈0.05）;悬尾实验C57BL/6小鼠的不动时间显著长于其他3种品系小鼠（P〈0.05）,但是4种品系小鼠在强迫游泳实验中的不动时间差异无显著性。结论 C57BL/6小鼠自发活动量低,对新奇环境的探索能力差,并且在急性应激刺激下容易造成行为绝望,因此C57BL/6小鼠可能适合作为急性应激抑郁模型动物。     

多次注射乌拉坦诱导的BALB/C及C57BL/6J小鼠肺癌模型的比较

目的探讨一种稳定的多次乌拉坦注射诱导小鼠肺癌模型的构建方法,比较BALB/C及C57BL/6J小鼠对该肺癌模型的敏感性。方法 10只BALB/C小鼠及10只C57BL/6J小鼠适应性饲养3周,随后每只小鼠分别被给予每周1次腹腔注射1 g/kg体重乌拉坦,连续注射10周,继续喂养15周后处死小鼠取肺组织。由3名不同的检测者在解剖显微镜下观察计数肺组织表面肿瘤数目并以直径记录肿瘤大小;HE染色检测肺组织病理变化。结果多次乌拉坦注射诱导的BALB/C及C57BL/6J小鼠肺癌发生率均为10/10(100%);BALB/C小鼠荷瘤数明显多于C57BL/6J小鼠(P0.01),同时,直径也大于C57BL/6J小鼠(P0.05);HE染色显示多次乌拉坦注射诱导的肺癌有非典型性腺瘤增生及腺瘤两种病变类型。结论 BALB/C和C57BL/6J小鼠均可以作为多次注射乌拉坦诱导性肺癌模型的动物,BALB/C小鼠对该肺癌模型的敏感性高于C57BL/6J小鼠。     

不同剂量MOG抗原免疫诱导小鼠自身免疫性脑脊髓炎模型的比较

目的比较不同剂量髓鞘少突胶质细胞糖蛋白(myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein,MOG35-55)免疫诱导C57BL/6小鼠实验性自身免疫性脑脊髓炎(experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis,EAE)的作用。方法将C57BL/6小鼠分为正常组和三组不同剂量MOG35-55诱导的EAE模型组,共4组。模型组分别以每只200、100、50μg的MOG35-55与完全弗氏佐剂(complete Freund s adjuvant,CFA)混合的乳化抗原皮下注射免疫诱导EAE模型,正常组以生理盐水替代。观察不同剂量MOG35-55对C57BL/6小鼠体重、发病率以及神经功能评分等影响,同时取小鼠脑和脊髓,利用光镜和透射电镜观察小鼠病理组织学改变。结果三组不同剂量MOG35-55均能诱导EAE模型,发病率为100%,呈慢性单相病程,病理学观察发现小鼠脑和脊髓有炎性细胞浸润、脱髓鞘及轴突损伤等改变。但小剂量组在体重减轻、临床症状评分及病理学改变等方面均较中、大剂量组明显。结论用MOG35-5550μg剂量免疫诱导的C57BL/6小鼠EAE模型稳定,可在今后的研究中应用。     

两种自发性2型糖尿病小鼠生物学特性比较

目的分别以C57BL/6JSlac和C57BL/KsJ-db/＋表型正常小鼠为对照组,比较自发性2型糖尿病KK-Ay/Ta和C57BL/KsJ-db/db小鼠的体生长曲线、糖代谢曲线、血清胰岛素水平、主要脏器重量、脏器系数等生物学特性的差异,并探讨其肾脏、肝脏和胰腺等组织病理学变化。方法在各自实验周期内,每2周测定实验组和对照组小鼠的体重、血糖以及血清胰岛素水平,实验结束后处死,脏器、脂肪称重,部分组织制作病理切片。结果 （1）KK小鼠体重远高于db/db小鼠,且同品系间雄性小鼠重于雌性小鼠（P〈0.05）;（2）同品系间雄性小鼠的血糖值明显大于雌性小鼠（P〈0.05）,db/db小鼠出现血糖异常症状比KK小鼠早,且血糖值大于KK小鼠（P〈0.05）,而KK小鼠血糖异常持续时间则较db/db小鼠长;（3）KK小鼠的血清胰岛素水平明显高于db/db小鼠（P〈0.05）,同品系雌雄小鼠间没有明显差异（P〉0.05）;（4）雄性KK小鼠脂肪系数及部分脏器萎缩程度大于雌性,而db/db小鼠雌雄间则无明显差异（P〉0.05）,同时db/db小鼠脾脏和胰腺的萎缩程度及脂肪系数大于KK小鼠（P〈0.05）,而KK小鼠肝脏的萎缩程度则大于db/db小鼠;（5）糖尿病模型小鼠肾脏、肝脏以及胰腺组织均出现明显病变。结论 KK-Ay/Ta和C57BL/KsJ-db/db小鼠均是肥胖的,伴有高血糖、高度胰岛素抵抗,肝脏、肾脏病变和胰岛功能不足的适用性2型糖尿病动物模型,且db/db小鼠血糖出现异常比KK小鼠早、脂肪系数大,而KK小鼠血糖异常持续时间较db/db小鼠长,同时血清胰岛素水平远大于db/db小鼠。     

汉滩病毒核蛋白CTL表位肽联合不同免疫佐剂的免疫学特性研究

目的:研究汉滩病毒(HTNV)核蛋白细胞毒性T淋巴细胞(CTL)表位肽联合不同免疫佐剂免疫C57BL/6小鼠后的免疫学特性,确立一种免疫效果良好的多肽免疫C57BL/6小鼠方案。方法:分别用氢氧化铝、弗氏佐剂和脂质体作为免疫佐剂与汉滩病毒核衣壳蛋白上的CTL表位肽段混合,经皮下注射免疫C57BL/6小鼠,共免疫3次,每次间隔2周;免疫结束后分离小鼠脾细胞,并分别采用ELISPOT和CTL杀伤试验进行检测。结果:HTNV核蛋白CTL表位肽联合弗氏佐剂加脂质体组小鼠脾细胞分泌IFN-γ能力和CTL杀伤能力优于其他各实验组(P0.01)。结论:HTNVCTL表位肽联合弗氏佐剂加脂质体免疫C57BL/6小鼠效果最佳,可为HTNV多肽疫苗的免疫策略提供参考。     

建立小鼠皮肤移植排斥模型稳定获得记忆T细胞

目的建立一种稳定的通过小鼠皮肤移植获得小鼠记忆T细胞的方法。方法以C57BL/6小鼠为受者、DBA/2小鼠为供者行皮肤移植;同时行C57BL/6小鼠行同种同系皮肤移植做对照。术后1-8周,每周取小鼠脾脏,使用流式细胞仪检测所有受体鼠脾单个核细胞悬液中记忆T细胞的比例（n=10）。结果（1）同种异系皮肤移植组：术后第4周的C57BL/6小鼠脾单个核细胞悬液中记忆T细胞的比例较术后1~3周显著增多（P〈0.01）;术后5~8周的记忆T细胞比例较术后第4周显著增多（P〈0.01）;术后1~3周小鼠记忆T细胞比例无差异（P〉0.05）;术后5~8周小鼠记忆T细胞比例无差异（P〉0.05）。（2）同种同系皮肤移植组：术后8周,每周产生的记忆T细胞比例无差异（P〉0.05）。结论接受同种异系皮肤抗原刺激4~5周后,小鼠记忆T细胞发生稳态增殖,此模型可以稳定的获得小鼠记忆T细胞。     

C57-ras致癌性转基因小鼠模型的脏器及血液学参数

目的测定自主建立的致癌性转基因动物模型C57-ras小鼠的血液生理生化值和主要脏器重量,计算脏器系数并作统计学分析。方法选取同窝C57-ras转基因阳性和阴性小鼠,雌雄各半,采血,测量血液生理指标和血清生化指标,并称主要脏器重量。结果 C57-ras转基因阳性雌鼠和阴性雌鼠间比较,NEUT、NEUT%存在显著性差异（P〈0.05）,PCT存在极显著性差异（P〈0.01）。C57-ras转基因阳性雄鼠和阴性雄鼠间比较,RBC、HCT、PLT、PCT存在显著性差异（P〈0.05）,MON%存在极显著性差异（P〈0.01）。血清生化指标中,ALT和TG存在显著性差异（P〈0.05）。主要脏器重量和脏器系数比较结果显示,除C57-ras转基因阳性雌鼠和阴性雌鼠在肺重量存在极显著性差异（P〈0.01）外,其余均无显著性差异（P〉0.05）。结论新建C57-ras致癌性转基因小鼠模型和正常C57BL/6小鼠的主要生物学特性基本一致,利于该模型在致癌性安全性评价等领域的实际应用。     

IRM-2小鼠移植性肿瘤模型的生物学特性

目的观察IRM-2小鼠和C57BL/6小鼠接种Lewis肺癌生物学特性的对比研究。方法取肿瘤组织研磨,用生理盐水稀释成2×10^6/mL,取细胞悬液接种于IRM-2小鼠和C57BL/6小鼠腋下,0.2 mL/只。观察两品系肿瘤生长、荷瘤鼠生存时间,外周血细胞及病理指标变化。结果两品系小鼠成瘤率均是100%,荷瘤鼠存活时间无明显差异,IRM-2小鼠荷瘤鼠体重净增长明显高于C57BL/6荷瘤小鼠（P〈0.05）。白细胞分类及病理指标变化无明显差别。结论IRM-2小鼠与C57BL/6小鼠Lewis肺癌模型生物学特性基本一致,IRM-2小鼠可以建立稳定的Lewis肺癌肿瘤模型应用于实验研究。     

Monomeric recombinant TCR ligand reduces relapse rate and severity of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in SJL/J mice through cytokine switch

Our previous studies demonstrated that oligomeric recombinant TCR ligands (RTL) can treat clinical signs of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and induce long-term T cell tolerance against encephalitogenic peptides. In the current study, we produced a monomeric I-A(s)/PLP 139-151 peptide construct (RTL401) suitable for use in SJL/J mice that develop relapsing disease after injection of PLP 139-151 peptide in CFA. RTL401 given i.v. or s.c. but not empty RTL400 or free PLP 139-151 peptide prevented relapses and significantly reduced clinical severity of EAE induced by PLP 139-151 peptide in SJL/J or (C57BL/6 x SJL)F(1) mice, but did not inhibit EAE induced by PLP 178-191 or MBP 84-104 peptides in SJL/J mice, or MOG 35-55 peptide in (C57BL/6 x SJL/J)F(1) mice. RTL treatment of EAE caused stable or enhanced T cell proliferation and secretion of IL-10 in the periphery, but reduced secretion of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In CNS, there was a modest reduction of inflammatory cells, reduced expression of very late activation Ag-4, lymphocyte function-associated Ag-1, and inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and chemokine receptors, but enhanced expression of Th2-related factors, IL-10, TGF-beta3, and CCR3. These results suggest that monomeric RTL therapy induces a cytokine switch that curbs the encephalitogenic potential of PLP 139-151-specific T cells without fully preventing their entry into CNS, wherein they reduce the severity of inflammation. This mechanism differs from that observed using oligomeric RTL therapy in other EAE models. These results strongly support the clinical application of this novel class of peptide/MHC class II constructs in patients with multiple sclerosis who have focused T cell responses to known encephalitogenic myelin peptides.     

Location of a new encephalitogenic epitope (residues 43 to 64) in proteolipid protein that induces relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in PL/J and (SJL x PL)F1 mice.

Synthetic peptides of proteolipid protein (PLP) were screened for their ability to induce experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in SJL/J, PL/J, and (SJL x PL)F1 mice, and T cell lines were selected by stimulation of lymph node cells with PLP peptides. PLP 141-151 was found to be less encephalitogenic in SJL/J mice than PLP 139-151, due to deletion of two amino acids from the amino-terminal end. PLP 139-151 immunization induced relapsing EAE in SJL/J and F1 mice but not PL/J mice. In contrast, PLP 43-64 induced relapsing EAE in PL/J and F1 mice but not SJL/J mice. F1 T cell lines specific for either PLP 43-64 or PLP 139-151 adoptively transferred demyelinating EAE to naive F1 recipients. Haplotypes H-2s and H-2u appear to be immunologically co-dominant in F1 mice in the PLP EAE system, which differs from the H-2u dominance in F1 mice in the myelin basic protein EAE system. The identification of a PLP peptide that is encephalitogenic in PL/J mice, in addition to the previous demonstration of PLP peptides that are encephalitogenic for SWR mice (PLP 103-116) and SJL/J mice (PLP 139-151), lends support to a role for PLP as a target Ag in autoimmune demyelinating diseases.     

Lymphocytes from SJL/J mice immunized with spinal cord respond selectively to a peptide of proteolipid protein and transfer relapsing demyelinating experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

Relapsing experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (R-EAE) can be induced in SJL/J mice by immunization with spinal cord homogenate and adjuvant. The specific Ag(s) responsible for acute disease and subsequent relapses in this model is unknown. Myelin basic protein (BP), an encephalitogenic peptide of BP (BP 87-99), and proteolipid protein (PLP) can each induce R-EAE in SJL/J mice, and a peptide of PLP (PLP 139-151) has been reported to induce acute EAE. To determine the encephalitogens in cord-immunized mice with R-EAE, the in vitro proliferative responses of lymph node cells (LNC) and central nervous system mononuclear cells to BP, BP peptides, and PLP peptides were examined during acute EAE and during relapses. LNC responded only to PLP peptides 139-151 and 141-151 and did not respond to BP or its peptides during acute or chronic disease. Central nervous system mononuclear cells also preferentially responded to PLP 139-151 and 141-151 during acute and relapsing disease. A PLP 139-151 peptide-specific Th cell line was selected from LNC of cord-immunized donors. Five million peptide-specific line cells transferred severe relapsing demyelinating EAE to naive recipients. We conclude that PLP peptide 139-151 is the major encephalitogen for R-EAE in cord-immunized SJL/J mice. We demonstrate for the first time that Th cells specific for this peptide are sufficient to transfer relapsing demyelinating EAE. The predominance of a PLP immune response rather than a BP response in SJL/J mice suggests that genetic background may determine the predominant myelin Ag response in human demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis.     

Specific T regulatory cells display broad suppressive functions against experimental allergic encephalomyelitis upon activation with cognate antigen

To date, very few Ag-based regimens have been defined that could expand T regulatory (Treg) cells to reverse autoimmunity. Additional understanding of Treg function with respect to specificity and broad suppression should help overcome these limitations. Ig-proteolipid protein (PLP)1, an Ig carrying a PLP1 peptide corresponding to amino acid residues 139-151 of PLP, displayed potent tolerogenic functions and proved effective against experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). In this study, we took advantage of the Ig-PLP1 system and the PLP1-specific TCR transgenic 5B6 mouse to define a regimen that could expand Ag-specific Treg cells in vivo and tested for effectiveness against autoimmunity involving diverse T cell specificities. The findings indicate that in vivo exposure to aggregated Ig-PLP1 drives PLP1-specific 5B6 TCR transgenic cells to evolve as Treg cells expressing CD25, CTLA-4, and Foxp3 and producing IL-10. These Treg cells were able to suppress PLP1 peptide-induced EAE in both SJL/J and F(1) (SJL/J x C57BL/6) mice. However, despite being effective against disease induced with a CNS homogenate, the Treg cells were unable to counter EAE induced by a myelin basic protein or a myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide. Nevertheless, activation with Ag before transfer into the host mice supports suppression of both myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein- and myelin basic protein peptide-induced EAE. Thus, it is suggested that activation of Treg cells by the cognate autoantigen is necessary for operation of broad suppressive functions.     

In trans T cell tolerance diminishes autoantibody responses and exacerbates experimental allergic encephalomyelitis

A number of Ag-specific approaches have been developed that ameliorate experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), an animal model for the human autoimmune disease multiple sclerosis. Translation to humans, however, remains a consideration, justifying the search for more insight into the mechanism underlying restoration of self-tolerance. Ig-proteolipid protein (PLP) 1 and Ig-myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) are Ig chimeras carrying the encephalitogenic PLP 139-151 and MOG 35-55 amino acid sequence, respectively. Ig-PLP1 ameliorates EAE in SJL/J (H-2(s)) mice while Ig-MOG modulates the disease in C57BL/6 (H-2(b)) animals. In this study, we asked whether the chimeras would suppress EAE in F(1) mice expressing both parental MHC alleles and representing a polymorphism with more relevance to human circumstances. The results show that Ig-MOG modulates both PLP1 and MOG peptide-induced EAE in the F(1) mice, whereas Ig-PLP1 counters PLP1 EAE but exacerbates MOG-induced disease. This in trans aggravation of MOG EAE by Ig-PLP1 operates through induction of PLP1-specific T cells producing IL-5 that sustained inhibition of MOG-specific Abs leading to exacerbation of EAE. Thus, in trans T cell tolerance, which should be operative in polymorphic systems, can aggravate rather than ameliorate autoimmunity. This phenomenon possibly takes place through interference with protective humoral immunity.     

Parental MHC molecule haplotype expression in (SJL/J x SWR)F1 mice with acute experimental allergic encephalomyelitis induced with two different synthetic peptides of myelin proteolipid protein.

To determine if the Ag that induces an autoimmune disease influences parental MHC haplotype molecule expression in situ in MHC heterozygotes, acute experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) was induced with different encephalitogenic peptides in (SJL/J x SWR)F1 mice. The mice were sensitized with either a synthetic peptide corresponding to mouse myelin proteolipid protein (PLP) residues 103-116 YKTTICGKGLSATV which induces EAE in SWR (H-2q), but not SJL/J (H-2s) mice or a synthetic peptide corresponding to PLP residues 139-151 HCLGKWLGHPDKF which is encephalitogenic in SJL/J but not SWR mice. Mice were killed when they were moribund or at 30 days after sensitization. Twelve of 18 F1 mice given PLP peptide 103-116 and 12 of 17 mice given PLP peptide 139-151 developed EAE within 2 to 3 wk after sensitization. Cryostat sections of brain samples from F1 and parental mice were immunostained with a panel of mAb identifying H-2s and H-2q class I and II MHC molecules. In brains of controls, class I MHC molecules were expressed on choroid plexus, endothelial cells, and microglia whereas class II MHC molecules were absent. In EAE lesions, class I and II MHC molecules were present on inflammatory and parenchymal cells, but the degree of parental haplotype molecule expression did not vary with the different peptide Ag tested. Thus, in (SJL/J x SWR)F1 mice, myelin PLP peptides 103-116 and 139-151 are co-dominant Ag with respect to clinical and histologic disease and parental haplotype MHC molecule expression. We propose a unifying hypothesis consistent with these results and previous observations of differential Ia expression in (responder x non-responder)F1 guinea pigs. We suggest that MHC molecules may bind locally derived peptide Ag in inflammatory sites and that these interactions influence levels of MHC haplotype molecules on APC.     

Cutting edge: CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells contribute to gender differences in susceptibility to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Female B10.S mice are highly resistant to proteolipid protein (PLP) 139-151-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and depletion of PLP 139-151-reactive CD4+CD25+ regulatory T (Treg) cells can slightly increase their EAE susceptibility. Although male B10.S mice are moderately susceptible to EAE, we report that depletion of Treg cells in male B10.S mice before immunization with PLP 139-151 renders them highly susceptible to severe EAE with more CNS neutrophil infiltrates than nondepleted controls. Increased susceptibility is associated with an enhanced PLP 139-151-specific T cell response and greater production of IFN-gamma, IL-6, and IL-17. Male CD4+CD25- effector cells depleted of Treg cells proliferate to a greater degree than those from females in response to either anti-CD3 or PLP 139-151. These data suggest that because of their capacity to regulate potent autoaggressive effector cells, Treg cells partly contribute to the resistance to autoimmunity in the male mice.     

IL-10 plays an important role in the homeostatic regulation of the autoreactive repertoire in naive mice

We have previously shown that naive SJL (H-2(s)) mice, which are highly susceptible to myelin proteolipid protein (PLP)-induced experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), have a very high frequency (1/20,000 CD4 T cells) of PLP(139-151)-reactive T cells in the naive repertoire. In this study, we examine the function of this endogenous PLP(139-151)-reactive repertoire in vivo and find that this repertoire encompasses the precursors of pathogenic T cells. Because SJL mice do not develop spontaneous EAE, we have explored the mechanisms that keep this autopathogenic repertoire in check and prevent the development of spontaneous autoimmunity. We crossed IL-4 and IL-10 deficiency onto the SJL background and analyzed the roles of these two immunoregulatory cytokines in regulating the size and effector function of the endogenous PLP(139-151)-reactive repertoire and development of autoimmune disease. We find that IL-10 is important in the homeostatic regulation of the endogenous PLP(139-151)-reactive repertoire in that it both limits the size of the repertoire and prevents development of effector autoaggressive T cells. SJL IL-10(-/-) mice with high numbers of PLP(139-151)-specific precursors in the repertoire did not develop spontaneous EAE, but when they were injected with pertussis toxin, they showed atypical clinical signs of EAE with small numbers of typical mononuclear cell infiltrates predominantly in the meninges. EAE could be inhibited by prior tolerization of the mice with soluble PLP(139-151) peptide. These findings indicate that IL-10 may contribute to the regulation of the endogenous autoimmune repertoire.     

Identification of an encephalitogenic determinant of myelin proteolipid protein for SJL mice

PLP is the major protein constituent of central nervous system myelin. We have previously shown that SJL/J (H-2s) mice develop an acute form of EAE after immunization with PLP. The purpose of the present study was to identify an encephalitogenic determinant of PLP for SJL mice. We immunized SJL/J mice with a synthetic peptide identical to residues 130-147 QAHSLERVCHCLGKWLGH of murine PLP, a sequence having an amphipathic alpha-helical conformation. Although it did not induce disease, an overlapping peptide containing residues 139-154 HCLGKWLGHPDKFVGI was encephalitogenic. Immunization with this peptide induced severe clinical and histologic EAE in 3 of 20 mice. T cell enriched ILN cells from these mice responded specifically (3H-thymidine incorporation) to this peptide as well as to shorter analogues of this domain containing serine in place of cysteine at residues 138 and 140. Immunization with the serine-substituted PLP peptides 137-151 VSHSLGKWLGHPDKF and 139-151 HSLGKWLGHPDKF induced severe, acute EAE in 4 of 9 and 15 of 15 SJL mice, respectively, and their T cell enriched ILN cells responded not only to the analogues, but also to the native PLP sequence 139-154. These results indicate that residues 139-151 of murine PLP is an encephalitogenic determinant for SJL mice. Furthermore, like the PLP encephalitogenic domain for SWR (H-2q) mice, this determinant is also a T cell epitope with a coding sequence at the end of an exon.     

Synthetic Peptide dendrimers block the development and expression of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis

Multiple Ag peptides (MAPs) containing eight proteolipid protein (PLP)(139-151) peptides arranged around a dendrimeric branched lysine core were used to influence the expression and development of relapsing experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE) in SJL mice. The PLP(139-151) MAPs were very efficient agents in preventing the development of clinical disease when administered after immunization with the PLP(139-151) monomeric encephalitogenic peptide in CFA. The treatment effect with these MAPs was peptide specific; irrelevant multimeric peptides such as guinea pig myelin basic protein GPBP(72-84) MAP (a dendrimeric octamer composed of the 72-84 peptide) and PLP(178-191) MAP (a dendrimeric octamer composed of the PLP(178-191) peptide) had no treatment effect on PLP(139-151)-induced EAE. PLP(139-151) MAP treatment initiated after clinical signs of paralysis also altered the subsequent course of EAE; it limited developing signs of paralysis and effectively limited the severity and number of disease relapses in MAP-treated mice over a 60-day observation period. PLP(139-151) MAP therapy initiated before disease onset acts to limit the numbers of Th17 and IFN-gamma-producing cells that enter into the CNS. However, Foxp3(+) cells entered the CNS in numbers equivalent for nontreated and PLP(139-151) MAP-treated animals. The net effect of PLP(139-151) MAP treatment dramatically increases the ratio of Foxp3(+) cells to Th17 and IFN-gamma-producing cells in the CNS of PLP(139-151) MAP-treated animals.