Co-stimulation with TNF receptor superfamily 4/25 antibodies enhances in-vivo expansion of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+T cells (Tregs) in a mouse study for active DNA Aβ42 immunotherapy

The study was designed to test DNA A beta 42 immunization in mice as alternative approach for possible active immunotherapy in Alzheimer patients. As results, we found polarized Th2 immune responses, efficient A beta 42 antibody levels, and disappearance of antigen specific T cells. In-vivo TNFRSF4/25 antibody co-stimulation enhanced A beta 42 specific T cell responses with initial Th2 expansion and subsequent development of A beta 42 specific CD4 + CD25 + Foxp3 + cells. It showed that Th2 biased responses due to gene gun immunizations propagate the development of regulatory T cells. In conclusion, full-length DNA A beta 42 immunization into skin results in a regulatory response with minimal risk of inflammation and autoimmunity. (C) 2014 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.