Infusion of SMCC-conjugated MOG-coupled spleen cells effectively prevents and reverses experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis: induction of antigen-specific Foxp3+ regulatory CD4+T cells and suppression of antigen-specific Th17 cells (THER7P.949)

Experimental autoimmune encephalitis (EAE) is an induced autoimmune disorder in rodent animals with the development of autoimmune T cells attacking axonal myelin protein causing demyelination. This model has been widely used to develop preventive or therapeutic approaches for human multiple sclerosis (MS). In current study, we report that infusion of SMCC-conjugated MOG35-55 coupled autologous spleen cells (either live, or ultraviolet B-irradiated apoptotic) significantly prevents and reverses EAE in mice. Further studies show that the protected animals resist EAE re-induction by MOG35-55 antigen challenge. Moreover, adoptive transfer of CD4+ T cells from the protected mice to naïve syngeneic mice renders the recipients resistant to EAE induction, suggesting that MOG35-55-specific regulatory CD4+ T cells may be induced. Unexpectedly, CD4+T cell proliferation is similar upon ex vivo stimulation by MOG35-55 amongst all groups. However, further analysis of those proliferating CD4+ T cells shows remarkable difference in Foxp3+ cells (70% in MOG-SP groups versus 10-25% in control groups, p