Transfer of myelin-specific cells deviated in vitro towards IL-4 production ameliorates ongoing experimental allergic neuritis

A causal role of IL-4 (Th2) production for recovery in experimental allergi c neuritis (EAN) was indicated by experiments where Th1-like autoreactive c ell populations, taken from the induction phase of the disease, were deviat ed to extensive secretion of IL-4 in a selective fashion, by ex vivo stimul ation with autoantigen in the presence of IL-4. The deviated cells were ado ptively transferred to EAN rats at a time just prior to the onset of clinic al signs. This treatment ameliorated EAN compared with sham treatment. This therapeutic approach, with generation of autoreactive IL-4-secreting cells ex vivo followed by subsequent adoptive transfer, may become a new selecti ve treatment of organ-specific autoimmune diseases since, in contrast to pr evious attempts, it is done in a physiological and technically easy way.