Autoreactive myelin-specific T cell

Autoreactive T cells specific for myelin-associated peptides are a subset of T lymphocytes that drive the inflammatory destruction of the myelin sheath in Multiple Sclerosis (MS). These cells are characterized by their ability to recognize specific epitopes from myelin proteins, including Myelin Basic Protein (MBP), Proteolipid Protein (PLP), and Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein (MOG) [1]. In the context of personalized immunotherapy, such as imilecleucel-T (Tcelna), a patient's own T cells are screened against a panel of 12 specific myelin peptides to identify the pathogenic clones [2]. These autoreactive cells are then isolated, expanded ex vivo, and attenuated via irradiation to be used as a therapeutic vaccine [3]. Upon re-injection, they stimulate the host's immune system to mount an anti-idiotypic response, effectively targeting and depleting the endogenous population of myelin-reactive T cells while preserving general immune function [4]. This approach represents a highly specific method of immune modulation designed to halt neurodegeneration in MS patients [5].

Other names

Myelin-reactive T cellsAutoreactive T lymphocytesEncephalitogenic T cellsMyelin-specific T cellsPathogenic T-cell clones

T-cell vaccination inducing an anti-idiotypic immune response to selectively deplete pathogenic T-cell clones