ANTICLASS-II MHC ANTIBODIES PREVENT AND TREAT EAE WITHOUT APC DEPLETION

We have demonstrated that a murine IgG1 anti-class II major histocompa tibility complex (MHC) antibody (OX6) is able both to prevent and trea t experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) in the Biozzi AB/H m ouse. We have confirmed that this antibody is poorly cytotoxic, allowi ng mechanisms of action other than depletion of antigen-presenting cel ls (APC) to be assessed. Despite its effect on disease, OX6 administra tion does not prevent priming of T cells in the draining lymph node, i mplying an alternative mechanism for regulation of the autoimmune dise ase process,