T cell immunity to copolymer 1 confers neuroprotection on the damaged optic nerve: Possible therapy for optic neuropathies

We recently reported that the posttraumatic spread of degeneration in the d amaged optic nerve can be attenuated by the adoptive transfer of autoimmune T cells specific to myelin basic protein. However, it would be desirable t o obtain immune neuroprotection free of any possible autoimmune disease, in an attempt to obtain disease-free immune neuroprotection, we used the synt hetic four-amino acid polymer copolymer 1 (Cop-1), which is known not to he encephalitogenic despite its cross-reactivity with myelin basic protein. W e show here that active immunization with Cop-1 administered in adjuvant, a s well as adoptive transfer of T cells reactive to Cop-1, can inhibit the p rogression of secondary degeneration after crush injury of the rat optic: n erve. These results have implications for the treatment of optic neuropathi es.