CD4+ T cells from Copolymer-1 immunized mice protect dopaminergic neurons in the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine model of Parkinson's disease.

Adoptive transfer of lymphoid cells from Copolymer 1 (Cop-1) immunized mice leads to T cell accumulation within the substantia nigra, modulation of microglial responses, upregulation of glial cell derived neurotrophic factor, and protection of the nigrostriatum following 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) intoxication. We now demonstrate that T cells isolated from lymph nodes and spleens of Cop-1 immunized animals protect the nigrostriatal system from MPTP-induced neurodegeneration in a dose-dependent manner. CD4+ T cells elicited the most significant neuroprotective response while high titers of anti-Cop-1 antibodies showed no effect. These data further support the use of immunomodulatory strategies for Parkinson's disease.