Side effects and immunogenicity of murine lymphocyte-specific monoclonal antibodies in subhuman primates.

The immediate side effects of lymphocyte-specific monoclonal antibody treatment of nearly 150 monkeys is documented in this study. Immediate side effects were only seen with antibodies specific for CD3 and CD8. These side effects are most likely related to stimulation of T cells to produce lymphokines (CD3) and/or to the rapid cell clearance (CD3 and CD8). No immediate effects were observed when CD4 or major histocompatibility complex class II-specific antibodies were injected. These antibodies may therefore be considered for the treatment of graft rejection or autoimmune diseases. Of the 43 animals that received a monoclonal antibody (MoAb) at least 2 years and up to 5 years prior to this study, none has shown any late effects of MoAb treatment. Most animals tested had a vigorous immune response to the injected MoAbs, both antiidiotypic as well as anti-isotypic antibodies were formed. This response was reduced by using Fab2 fragments or by additional immunosuppression, but it was still high enough to prevent further effectiveness of the MoAb treatment.