Open AccessAcquired resistance to type II collagen‐induced arthritis in rhesus monkeys is reflected by a T cell low‐responsiveness to the antigen
Author(s) -
BAKKER N. P. M.,
ERCK M. G. M.,
HART L. A. T,
JONKER M.
Publication year - 1991
Publication title -
clinical & experimental immunology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.329
H-Index - 135
eISSN - 1365-2249
pISSN - 0009-9104
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2249.1991.tb05799.x
Subject(s) - immunology , antigen , arthritis , collagen induced arthritis , medicine , biology
SUMMARY Ten out of 14 rhesus monkeys developed arthritis after a single immunization with bovine type II collagen (B‐CII). In contrast to primary resistant monkeys, arthritic animals showed a B‐CII specific T cell proliferation during the induction phase of the disease. All surviving animals showed a full remission of the disease. Two monkeys acquired resistance to collagen‐induced arthritis (CIA) after one period of disease, but in three animals a booster immunization with B‐CII induced a slight flare‐up. It is demonstrated that B‐CII immunized rhesus monkeys have the capacity to restore resistance to CIA. The development of resistance to CIA is reflected by a decreased T cell responsiveness to B‐CII, It is shown that the lack of IL‐2 plays a role in B‐CII‐induced T cell low‐responsiveness. A potential role of CD8 + T cells in the down regulation of the T cell response to B‐CIl is discussed.