Blood-borne soluble protein antigen intensifies T cell activation in autoimmune CNS lesions and exacerbates clinical disease.

We explored the effect of i.v. soluble antigen on autoaggressive, myelin basic protein-specific effector T cells within their target organ during acute experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Intravital two-photon imaging revealed that i.v. autoantigen reached the CNS and was taken up and processed by antigen-presenting cells within 30 min after injection. The exogenous autoantigen dramatically changed the motility and function of autoreactive effector T cells within the EAE lesions: T cells that had been cruising through the tissue slowed down and became tethered to local antigen-presenting cells within 1 h. One hour later, the effector T cells massively produced proinflammatory cytokines and up-regulated membranous activation markers. This strong activation of the T cells boosted CNS inflammation and aggravated clinical disease. Postactivated effector and resting memory T cells specific for a non-CNS antigen (ovalbumin) were recruited to EAE lesions and moved there without contacting antigen-presenting cells. These cells were similarly arrested and activated after i.v. infusion of ovalbumin, and they also exacerbated clinical disease. Our data are relevant for autoantigen-based therapies of autoimmune disorders. Further, the study indicates how brain unrelated antigens (microbial components) leaking into the chronically inflamed CNS through the bloodstream might trigger relapses in multiple sclerosis.