Opposing effects of HLA class I molecules in tuning autoreactive CD8+ T cells in multiple sclerosis

Nat Med. 2008 Nov;14(11):1227-35. doi: 10.1038/nm.1881. Epub 2008 Oct 26.

Abstract

The major known genetic risk factors in multiple sclerosis reside in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) region. Although there is strong evidence implicating MHC class II alleles and CD4(+) T cells in multiple sclerosis pathogenesis, possible contributions from MHC class I genes and CD8(+) T cells are controversial. We have generated humanized mice expressing the multiple sclerosis-associated MHC class I alleles HLA-A(*)0301 (encoding human leukocyte antigen-A3 (HLA-A3)) and HLA-A(*)0201 (encoding HLA-A2) and a myelin-specific autoreactive T cell receptor (TCR) derived from a CD8(+) T cell clone from an individual with multiple sclerosis to study mechanisms of disease susceptibility. We demonstrate roles for HLA-A3-restricted CD8(+) T cells in induction of multiple sclerosis-like disease and for CD4(+) T cells in its progression, and we also define a possible mechanism for HLA-A(*)0201-mediated protection. To our knowledge, these data provide the first direct evidence incriminating MHC class I genes and CD8(+) T cells in the pathogenesis of human multiple sclerosis and reveal a network of MHC interactions that shape the risk of multiple sclerosis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Central Nervous System / immunology
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / genetics
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / immunology*
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Multiple Sclerosis / genetics
  • Multiple Sclerosis / immunology*
  • Multiple Sclerosis / metabolism
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / genetics
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / immunology
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell / metabolism
  • Thymus Gland / immunology

Substances

  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class I
  • Receptors, Antigen, T-Cell