Mol Immunol 2001 Nov-Dec;37(16):951-60
Marino M, Ippolito A, Ruvo M, Scarallo A, Volpe S, Fassina G.
TECNOGEN S.C.p.A., Parco Scientifico, 81015 (CE), Piana di Monte Verna, Italy
The encephalitogenic epitope P81-100 from mouse myelin basic protein was used to generate two simplified derivatives with glycine substitutions in alternating positions which were tested for their biological activity in a murine model of multiple sclerosis, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
While both derivatives were unable to induce in mice the disease at the same parent peptide P81-100 dosage, T cell proliferation assays demonstrated their ability to compete with the parental peptide in a dose related manner.
Experiments of cell surface binding and T cell tolerance revealed a different behavior of the two derivatives, suggesting different roles in the MHC blockade or T cell tolerance.
On induction of encephalomyelitis in animals by P81-100 treatment, one variant proved in vivo to be very effective in protecting from the disease.
PMID: 11395134 [PubMed - in process]