Autoimmune T Cells Protect Neurons from Degeneration

Autoimmune T Cells Protect Neurons from Degeneration 

Autoimmunity has long been viewed as a destructive process. However, a strong body of evidence provides a new view 

In 1999, it was demonstrated that autoimmune T cells directed against myelin basic protein can protect neurons against degeneration after CNS injury (Moalem et al., 1999b). 

To verify that this finding was not merely the result of an experimental manipulation but rather a beneficial physiological response to CNS injury, neuronal degeneration after identical injuries was compared in normal mice and mice devoid of T cells (Kipnis et al., 2001 Yoles et al., 2001). Significantly 

It had been widely accepted that autoimmune T cells in the periphery are normally kept in a state of tolerance by the suppressive activity of naturally occurring regulatory CD4+CD25 T cells (Treg cells) (Thornton and Shevach, 2000), and that elimination or depletion of Treg cells might therefore cause development of an autoimmune disease in susceptible animals (McHugh et al., 2002). 

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