A systemically-administered small molecule antagonist of CCR9 acts as a tissue-selective inhibitor of lymphocyte trafficking

PLoS One. 2012;7(11):e50498. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0050498. Epub 2012 Nov 29.

Abstract

A goal for developers of immunomodulatory drugs has long been a systemically administered small molecule that can selectively inhibit inflammation in specific tissues. The chemokine receptor CCR9 is an attractive target for this approach, as entry of T cells into the small intestine from blood requires interaction between CCR9 and its ligand CCL25. We have tested the ability of a small molecule CCR9 antagonist, CCX8037, to inhibit antigen-mediated T cell accumulation in the intestine. This compound prevented accumulation of gut-imprinted antigen-specific CD8 T cells within epithelium of the small intestine. Interestingly, the antagonist did not affect the robust generation of gut-imprinted CD8 T cells within mesenteric lymph nodes. To distinguish "gut-selective" from "general" T cell inhibition, we tested the drug's ability to influence accumulation of T cells within skin, a tissue in which CCR9 plays no known role, and we found no appreciable effect. This study demonstrates the feasibility of creating systemically-administered pharmaceuticals capable of tissue-selective immune modulation. This proof of concept is of utmost importance for designing effective treatments against various autoimmune disorders localized to a specific tissue.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • Cell Line
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Chemokines, CC / metabolism
  • Female
  • Flow Cytometry
  • Humans
  • Immunologic Factors / pharmacology*
  • Lymphocytes / drug effects
  • Lymphocytes / metabolism*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Receptors, CCR / antagonists & inhibitors*

Substances

  • CC chemokine receptor 9
  • Ccl25 protein, mouse
  • Chemokines, CC
  • Immunologic Factors
  • Receptors, CCR

Grants and funding

No current external funding sources for this study.