MHC II molecules, which are present on the surface of antigen presenting cells (APC cells) play a role in presenting antigens, both self and foreign, to T cells. In normal physiology, self-antigens are recognized by T-cells and do not elicit an immunologic response. Foreign antigens, such as antigens from a virus or other pathogen, activate T cells which then release inflammatory factors in an immune response to counter the pathogen. In many autoimmune diseases this process goes awry. T cells become inappropriately activated by APC cells presenting self-antigen, causing the release of inflammatory cytokines that result in tissue destruction, leading to the physical symptoms of auto-immune disease.
Artielle has developed a new class of immunomodulary molecules called recombinant T-cell receptor ligands (RTLs), which are recombinant proteins consisting of a portion of the MHCII molecule (including the antigen binding pocket, but not the membrane associated domain) combined with a self-antigen (one to which the body is attacking). The RTLs bind specifically to the T-cells that recognize the self-antigen, inducing a switch from inflammatory to anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective cytokines that reduce inflammation in the central nervous system. This observation has been observed in vitro in human cells, and in several in vivo animal models. Animal models showed complete reversal of the clinical symptoms associated with the disease.
