Mannosylated PLP139–151 induces peptide-specific tolerance to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

Abstract: SJL mice immunized with mannosylated (M-) PLP139–151 in complete adjuvant do not develop EAE and little CNS mononuclear cell infiltration; other mannosylated peptides were ineffective in this experimental setting. Despite apparently normal T cell responses, M-PLP139–151-immunized mice show impaired delayed-type-sensitivity to PLP139–151 but a normal response to other peptides. After re-immunization with PLP139–151 in complete adjuvant, these mice are largely tolerant to EAE, show less T cell proliferation and decreased peptide-specific IgG2a. Our data suggest that M-PLP139–151 induces peptide-specific tolerance to EAE via a mechanism of deletion or impaired migration of encephalitogenic T cells. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]