L11, a Unique Anti-CD43 Monoclonal Antibody, Inhibits the Adoptive Transfer of Diabetes and Pancreatic Islet, Salivary Gland, and Lacrimal Gland Inflammation in NOD/scid Mice

L11 is an anti-murine CD43 monoclonal antibody that blocks the migration of T cells from blood into lymphoid tissues. We used a T-cell-mediated adoptive transfer model to evaluate the ability of L11 to inhibit inflammation and destruction in extranodal tissues in the nonobese diabetic (NOD) mouse. Splenocytes from diabetic NOD mice were transferred intravenously into NOD/scid mice. The host mice were treated with L11, negative control antibody, or saline for the first 8 days after transfer. L11 treatment significantly delayed the onset of diabetes and inhibited the development of inflammation in pancreatic islets, salivary gland, and lacrimal gland. These results suggest that L11 may be a useful immunotherapeutic tool for the prevention of T-cell-mediated autoimmune diseases.