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T‐cell anergy induced by clonotype‐specific antibodies: modulation of an autoreactive human T‐cell clone in vitro

Monoclonal antibodies (mAb) specific for the clonotype of an autoreactive T cell may be useful reagents in the modulation of autoimmune disease. We have previously reported the generation of a set of mAb specific for the clonotypic structure of a human T‐cell clone recognizing an epitope of human cartilage gp‐39. This glycoprotein was recently identified as a candidate autoantigen in rheumatoid arthritis. Here, we demonstrate for the first time that small amounts of immobilized anticlonotype mAb can induce anergy in the autoreactive clone. Following the anergic stimulus, T cells failed to proliferate upon restimulation as a result of a lack of interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) gene transcription. In addition, a diminished interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) production was found. Our data indicate that anergy was not a result of T‐cell receptor (TCR) downmodulation or the absence of free TCR. The anergic state was induced independent of costimulation or the presence of IL‐2 and no protein synthesis was required for the induction of anergy. Anticlonotype mAb‐induced anergy was prevented by cyclosporin A, suggesting that active signalling via the calcium/calcineurin pathway was required for the induction of anergy. In coculture experiments, anergic T cells were found to suppress the response of reactive cells from the same clone. This bystander suppression led to 90% inhibition of peptide‐induced proliferation. Together, these findings suggest that mAb to the clonotypic structure of autoreactive T cells may be suitable reagents for the functional inactivation of these T cells in autoimmune diseases.