Mannosylated PLP(139-151) induces peptide-specific tolerance to experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.

SJL mice immunized with mannosylated (M-) PLP(139-151) in complete adjuvant do not develop EAE and little CNS mononuclear cell infiltration; other mannosylated peptides were ineffective in this experimental setting. Despite apparently normal T cell responses, M-PLP(139-151)-immunized mice show impaired delayed-type-sensitivity to PLP(139-151) but a normal response to other peptides. After re-immunization with PLP(139-151) in complete adjuvant, these mice are largely tolerant to EAE, show less T cell proliferation and decreased peptide-specific IgG2a. Our data suggest that M-PLP(139-151) induces peptide-specific tolerance to EAE via a mechanism of deletion or impaired migration of encephalitogenic T cells.