Myelin-reactive T-cell

Myelin-reactive T-cells are a specialized population of T-lymphocytes that recognize autoantigens derived from the myelin sheath, such as myelin basic protein (MBP), proteolipid protein (PLP), and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) (Sospedra & Martin, 2005). While these cells exist in the peripheral repertoire of healthy individuals, in Multiple Sclerosis (MS), they escape regulatory control, undergo activation, and migrate across the blood-brain barrier into the central nervous system (CNS) (Compston & Coles, 2008). Within the CNS, they secrete pro-inflammatory cytokines like IFN-gamma and IL-17, which recruit macrophages and B-cells, ultimately leading to the destruction of myelin and underlying axons (Sospedra & Martin, 2005). Pharmacological targeting of these cells is a cornerstone of MS therapy, utilizing strategies such as sequestration in peripheral lymph nodes (e.g., fingolimod), inhibition of CNS entry (e.g., natalizumab), or broad depletion (e.g., alemtuzumab) (Steinman, 2005). Modern drug development also explores the induction of antigen-specific tolerance to selectively silence these cells while preserving the rest of the immune system (Lutterotti et al., 2013). These cells serve as both a primary driver of neuroinflammatory pathology and a critical focal point for immunomodulatory drug design.

Other names

Myelin-specific T-cellAutoreactive T-lymphocyteEncephalitogenic T-cellMyelin-reactive lymphocyte

Therapeutic interventions target these cells by inhibiting their activation, preventing their migration across the blood-brain barrier, sequestering them within peripheral lymph nodes, or inducing systemic depletion and subsequent immune reconstitution.