Autoreactive Th1 T-cells specific for myelin antigens (Myelin-specific Th1 cells)

Autoreactive Th1 T-cells specific for myelin antigens are a specialized subset of CD4+ T lymphocytes that drive the inflammatory process in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) (Kaskow & Baecher-Allan, 2018). These cells are primed in the periphery to recognize myelin-derived proteins, such as Myelin Basic Protein (MBP) and Proteolipid Protein (PLP), as foreign antigens (Goverman, 2009). Once they infiltrate the central nervous system (CNS) by crossing the blood-brain barrier, they secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines like Interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), which activate macrophages and microglia, leading to the destruction of the myelin sheath and subsequent axonal loss (Fletcher et al., 2010). Current disease-modifying therapies (DMTs) target these cells through various mechanisms, including sequestration in lymph nodes (Fingolimod), inhibition of CNS entry (Natalizumab), or direct depletion (Alemtuzumab) (Compston & Coles, 2008). Emerging therapies also focus on inducing antigen-specific tolerance to silence these autoreactive clones without compromising global immunity (Lutterotti & Martin, 2014).

Other names

Myelin-reactive CD4+ T cellsEncephalitogenic T cellsMyelin-specific Th1 lymphocytesAutoreactive myelin-specific T cellsMyelin-reactive Th1 cells

Inhibition of T-cell activation, blockade of T-cell trafficking across the blood-brain barrier, sequestration in peripheral lymphoid organs, and induction of immune tolerance or cell depletion.