Modulation of Murine Coxsackievirus-Induced Myocarditis Utilizing Anti-Idiotypes

Pre-treatment of syngeneic mice with polyclonal populations of Protein-A separated anti-idiotypic antibodies prepared against anti-CVB3 viral idiotypes resulted in reduction of inflammatory myocarditis in virus-challenged mice. Cellular immunity as assessed by cell-migration-inhibition resulted in specific cell-mediated sensitivity against anti-Ids (CVB3) as well as viral preparations. Animals pre-treated with anti-idiotypic preparations developed an anamnestic anti-viral antibody response, with antibodies capable of specifically binding CVB3 virus antigen in an ELISA assay; but without CVB3 viral neutralizing capability. Adoptive transfer of limited numbers of syngeneic anti-Id immunized lymphoid cell populations failed to alter the course of inflammatory myocarditis in CVB3 virus-challenged animals. Cellular binding studies utilizing anti-Ids suggested increased, but nonspecific binding of anti-Ids to lymphoid and myocyte populations in CVB3 infected animals. The data suggest an immunomodulatory role of idiotype-anti-idiotype interactions in the development of myocarditis.