Selective downregulation of Th1 response by Linomide reduces autoimmunity but increases susceptibility to viral infection in BALB/c and SJL mice

Susceptibility to autoimmunity has been associated with polarization of Th1/Th2 balance in immune system towards the Th1-type of reactivity. We report here that orally administered quinoline-3-carboxamide (Linomide(R)) selectively downregulates Th1 response in BALB/c and SJL mice, leading to reduction of autoimmunity in the BALB/c and SJL models of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). This was shown by prevention of EAE in Th1 responding SJL mice and partial downregulation of EAE in Th2-prone BALB/c mice. In a BALB/c model of EAE, in which infection with Semliki Forest A7 virus (SFV-A7) is used for enhancement of autoimmunity, clinical signs of EAE were reduced while mortality due to viral infection in the CNS was enhanced. Selective downregulation of the Th1 response by Linomide also rendered initially resistant SJL mice susceptible to SFV-A7 CNS infection. This was shown by immunohistochemical detection of extensive deposits of viral antigen in numerous perivascular foci within the CNS and abolished virus antigen-specific lymphocyte reactivity in Linomide-treated Sn mice. In addition, analysis of spleen cell cytokine mRNA production profile revealed decreased number of IFN-gamma producing cells in both SJL and BALB/c mice, reduced number of IL-12p40 producing cells in SJL and increased number of IL-12p40 producing cells in BALB/c mice along with slightly increased IL-4 production in both strains of mice. These results indicate that oral treatment with Linomide induces selective downregulation of Th1 reactivity causing reduction of autoimmunity and increased susceptibility to SFV-A7 CNS infection. Selective downregulation of Thl response is a desired effect in the treatment of autoimmune diseases but our results suggest that the benefits have to be balanced against the possible loss in immunoprotection against pathogens. (C) 1998 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.