The Effect of in Vivo Application of Monoclonal Antibodies Specific for Human Cytotoxic T Cells in Rhesus Monkeys

Rhesus monkeys were treated in vivo with monoclonal antibodies specific for human cytotoxic T cells. These antibodies reacted with rhesus lymphocytes as they do with human lymphocytes. Injection of a pool of monoclonal antibodies resulted in rapid elimination of the relevant T cell subpopulation from the circulation. Injection of a single monoclonal antibody did not result in elimination of the subpopulation, but the cells were coated with the injected monoclonal antibody. Injection of the single monoclonal antibody did not prolong the allogeneic skin graft. These results indicate that the rhesus monkey is a useful model for testing antihuman monoclonal antibodies.