In: Biology
What is immune privilege? Describe in details use of CTLA-4 fusion protein (betalacept) for treatment of autoimmune disorders?
Answer:- Certain sites of human body have immunity privilege, meaning they are able to tolerate to introduction of antigens without eliciting an inflammatory immune response. Tissue grafts are normally recognised as foreign antigen by the body and attacked by the immune system. However, in immune privilege sites, tissue grafts can survive for extended periods of time without rejection occuring. Immunologically privileged sites include the eyes,placenta and foetus,testicles etc.
The comparatively higher binding affinity of CTLA- 4 than CD28 has made it a potential therapy for autoimmune disease. Fusion proteins of CTLA4 and antibodies ( CTLA4-lg) have been used in clinical trials for rheumatoid arthritis. For most autoimmune disorders the pattern of inheritance is very complex. It is highly endocytic molecule that binds to two distinct ligands, CD80 & CD86 leading to their removal from opposing cells. By utilising transendocytosis, CTLA- 4 can act as immune regulatory mechanism by directly reducing the ability of APC to stimulate via CD28. CTLA4 system functions as a rheostat that can tune T CELL activation up or down.