Alteration of CD39+Foxp3+ CD4 T cell and cytokine levels in EAE/MS following anti-CD52 treatment.

While examining the therapeutic value of anti-CD52 antibody against EAE/MS, we identified a unique subset of CD39+ Tregs in repopulating GALT tissues, a major lymphoid reservoir, which was accompanied by amelioration of disease. Furthermore, anti-CD52 treatment leads to increased expression of BDNF, IL-10, and SMAD3 in the brains of EAE mice. This condition is associated with suppression of IL-17, a critical inflammatory factor in EAE/MS progression. Additionally, we found elevated levels of CD4+CD39+ Tregs in PBMCs of RRMS patients treated with humanized anti-CD52 mAb. Thus, anti-CD52 can affect multiple immune mediated pathways involved in the pathogenesis of EAE/MS.