[HTML][HTML] IL-7 receptor blockade blunts antigen-specific memory T cell responses and chronic inflammation in primates

L Belarif, C Mary, L Jacquemont, HL Mai… - Nature …, 2018 - nature.com
L Belarif, C Mary, L Jacquemont, HL Mai, R Danger, J Hervouet, D Minault, V Thepenier…
Nature communications, 2018nature.com
Targeting the expansion of pathogenic memory immune cells is a promising therapeutic
strategy to prevent chronic autoimmune attacks. Here we investigate the therapeutic efficacy
and mechanism of new anti-human IL-7Rα monoclonal antibodies (mAb) in non-human
primates and show that, depending on the target epitope, a single injection of antagonistic
anti-IL-7Rα mAbs induces a long-term control of skin inflammation despite repeated antigen
challenges in presensitized monkeys. No modification in T cell numbers, phenotype …
Abstract
Targeting the expansion of pathogenic memory immune cells is a promising therapeutic strategy to prevent chronic autoimmune attacks. Here we investigate the therapeutic efficacy and mechanism of new anti-human IL-7Rα monoclonal antibodies (mAb) in non-human primates and show that, depending on the target epitope, a single injection of antagonistic anti-IL-7Rα mAbs induces a long-term control of skin inflammation despite repeated antigen challenges in presensitized monkeys. No modification in T cell numbers, phenotype, function or metabolism is observed in the peripheral blood or in response to polyclonal stimulation ex vivo. However, long-term in vivo hyporesponsiveness is associated with a significant decrease in the frequency of antigen-specific T cells producing IFN-γ upon antigen restimulation ex vivo. These findings indicate that chronic antigen-specific memory T cell responses can be controlled by anti-IL-7Rα mAbs, promoting and maintaining remission in T-cell mediated chronic inflammatory diseases.
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