A complementary peptide vaccine that induces T cell anergy and prevents experimental allergic neuritis in Lewis rats

We have developed and described a new method of altering T cell-mediated au toimmune diseases by immunization with the complementary peptide against T cell epitopes, The complementary peptide (denoted NAE 07-06) to the bovine P2 protein, residues 60-70 (denoted EAN 60-70), was tested in the Lewis rat model of experimental allergic neuritis (EAN). Immunization with NAE 07-06 induced polyclonal and monoclonal Abs that inhibited the proliferation of the P2-specific T cell line, stimulated with EAN 60-70, and recognized V be ta, but not V alpha, Of TCRs. Proliferation of T cells treated with anti-NA E 07-06 Abs could be partially restored by treatment with rIL-2, in accorda nce with an anergy model. A homologous sequence was found between NAE 07-06 and the VDJ junction of the TCR beta-chain from an EAN 60-70-specific T ce ll line. Rats preimmunized with NAE 07-06 in vivo before EAN induction shel ved less disease severity clinically and histologically. These data suggest a new therapeutic approach for T cell-mediated autoimmune disorders throug h the induction of anti-TCR Abs with complementary peptide Ags.