Abstract 1368: The Anti-DNA Ig Consensus Peptide pCONS Facilitates Regulatory T Cell Activity in SLE Patients

Stuart M. Levine, MD

Authors:

B. H. Hahn, M. Anderson, A. La Cava

Background:

One of the major immunologic defects in SLE is a decrease in both number and function of regulatory T cells.  Overcoming this defect in vitro has been a major focus of research, although it has proven difficult.  

Methods:

Peripheral blood mononuclear cells from SLE patients were stimulated in vitro with the anti-DNA Ig consensus binding peptide pCONS for 3 days, and the number of CD4+CD25+ T cells, Foxp3 expression, and suppressive ability were measured compared to responses from normal controls.

Results:

Stimulation with the pCONS peptide resulted in the expansion of CD4+ T cells with a suppressor phenotype (CD25+ Foxp3+), and resulted in an increased ability to suppress anti-CD3 treated CD4+  Tcell responses (p<0.0001 vs. controls).  Two other anti-DNA Ig peptides were also able to generate these responses, but at a less efficient rate.

Editorial Comment:

These data suggest a novel way of breaking the suppression of Treg number and function seen in SLE patients.  By using a stimulatory peptide of a relevant specificity in SLE (anti-DNA), this approach may one day be used to specifically and “naturally” downregulate aberrant anti-DNA CD4+ T cell responses.