SHORT-TERM ADMINISTRATION OF SELECTED ANTI-T-CELL RECEPTOR V-BETA CHAIN SPECIFIC MOAB REDUCES SIALADENITIS IN MRL LPR MICE/

Sialadenitis develops spontaneously in MRL/Mp mice bearing a lymphopro liferative gene, lpr (MRL/ Mp-lpr/lpr). Based on recent observations o f an oligoclonal expansion of T-cell receptor (TCR) expressing V beta chain families (V beta 4, V beta 8.1,2, V beta 10b) in salivary glands of these mice we have initiated selective antibody therapy. Treatment with monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) specific for T cells expressing a m ixture of TCR V beta 4, V beta 8.1,2 and V beta 10b was applied to MRL /lpr mice before and after the spontaneous development of sialadenitis . The in vivo treatment with V beta 4, V beta 8.1,2,2 and V beta 10b M oAb did not prevent the development of sialadenitis. However, in anima ls with established sialadenitis, treatment with the MoAb significantl y decreased the inflammation compared with the control groups. Immunoh istochemical staining of cell phenotypes demonstrated a change in the ratio of CD4/CD8 in the animals with established sialadenitis. Altoget her, these findings illustrate that it is possible to modulate sialade nitis and infiltrate cell phenotypes in vivo in MRL/lpr mice with spec ific anti-TCR VP MoAb treatment.