ABSTRACT
Monoclonal antibodies (MAb) directed against distinct lymphocyte subsets have been used in vivo to deplete selected cells and thereby examine the function of these cells in immune responses. First, by depleting or interfering with the function of T helper (TH) cells, the authors determine the contribution of these cells to the pathogenesis of such autoimmune diseases as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Second, by identifying the cells that promote autoimmunity, they develop new approaches to therapy that utilize MAb as therapeutic agents. The major obstacle to anti-L3T4 therapy is that the high doses required to prevent the host immune response to the MAb are profoundly immunosuppressive. Treatment of advanced autoimmunity with anti-L3T4 also had a beneficial effect on renal disease as measured by blood urea nitrogen and proteinuria. Treatment with anti-L3T4 also suppresses several experimentally induced autoimmune diseases in animals.
