peptide-loaded tolerogenic dendritic cells

Peptide-loaded tolerogenic dendritic cells (tolDC) are a form of cell therapy in which autologous or allogeneic dendritic cells are modulated ex vivo to acquire a tolerogenic phenotype and then loaded with disease-relevant peptides (antigens). These modified DCs are designed to induce antigen-specific immune tolerance by promoting regulatory T cell responses and suppressing pathogenic autoreactive T cell activity. The approach aims to treat autoimmune diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS), neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD), type 1 diabetes, and rheumatoid arthritis by specifically targeting the immune response against self-antigens while preserving general immunity. Mechanistically, these therapies work by increasing IL-10 production and expanding regulatory T cell populations upon administration. Clinical trials have demonstrated safety and feasibility in humans for MS/NMOSD using myelin or aquaporin-4 peptides[2][5][6], as well as for type 1 diabetes using proinsulin peptides[1]. The technology is under investigation in phase I/II clinical trials.

Other names

tolDCantigen-loaded tolDCmyelin-peptide loaded tolDCproinsulin peptide-loaded tolerogenic dendritic cells