T cell vaccination in multiple sclerosis relapsing–remitting nonresponders patients

Myelin autoreactive T cells are involved in the pathogenesis of multiple sclerosis (MS) and lead to propagation of the disease. We evaluated the efficacy of T cell vaccination (TCV) therapy for patients with aggressive relapsing–remitting MS who failed to respond to immunomodulatory treatments. Twenty nonresponders relapsing–remitting MS patients were immunized with autologous attenuated T cell lines after activation with synthetic myelin basic protein (MBP) and myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG) encephalitogenic peptides. Each patient received three vaccinations in 6- to 8-week intervals. Annual relapse rate decreased from 2.6 to 1.1, P = 0.026. Neurological disability stabilized as compared with the 2- and 1-year pretreatment progression rates. Significant reduction in the number and volume of active lesions, as well as reduction in T2 lesion burden, was demonstrated by quantitative MRI analysis. No serious adverse events were observed. Our findings suggest that TCV has beneficial clinical effects in MS patients who, in spite of immunomodulatory treatments, continue to deteriorate. TCV could serve as a potential alternative therapy for this subgroup of nonresponders patients.