αβ TCR

Antibodies directed against the αβ chains of the TCR have also been shown to be efficacious for the induction and restoration of immunological tolerance in animal models of autoimmunity and transplantation. Like anti-CD3 antibodies, administration of anti-TCR αβ antibodies has generally been met with favorable effects in the treatment of autoimmune disease. Treatment of mice with anti -TCR αβ antibody at the time of Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis(EAE) disease induction completely prevented disease onset, while treatment during chronic EAE disease caused disease remission. Anti-TCR αβ antibody treatment induces tolerance through a number of mechanisms including functional blockade of T cells at the site of inflammation, transient T-cell depletion, upregulation of Th2 cytokines, and an increase in the regulatory NKT cell population.