Re: Is a viable T-Cell Receptor Vaccine for autoimmune disease within reach?

	Vaccines have traditionally been used to stimulate an immune response 
to a pathogen (harmful organism) before exposure.  This treatment jump-
starts the immune system so that when the pathogen actually comes along, the 
body is ready to deal with it.
	The type of approach traditionally used against autoimmune disease 
works differently.  It is more accurately called a toleragen, not a vaccine.  
It is administered after the disease has begun with the hope that it will 
fool the immune system into thinking (as it should) that the antigen is 
self.  This type of 'vaccine' makes the immune system tolerant of the 
antigen causing the disease and the immune response ceases.  Much progress 
has been made with oral toleragens in multiple sclerosis, uveitis, and 
rheumatoid arthritis.  Trials are in progress on patients with these 
diseases.  However, these treatments are still experimental.
	A second type of vaccine for autoimmune disease is a more traditional 
vaccine.  A complementary peptide to the disease-stimulating peptide is used 
to stimulate an immune response to the T cells reacting in the disease.  To 
my knowledge, this approach is still in the animal experimentation phase.  
Researchers are currently trying to do experiments in animal models which 
would support this approach as a feasible treatment for autoimmune disease.
	The second type of vaccine is problematic for several reasons.  First, 
the disease-causing antigen must be known.  The disease must be caused by a 
single antigen, or small number of antigens.  As you point out, the anti-TCR 
response must not adversely affect a large portion of the body's T cells 
(needed for normal, appropriate immune responses).  It must be specific for 
the T cells causing the disease.
	Research on vaccines, and indeed any other treatment used in human 
beings, must go through years of animal study before a human trial can 
begin.  In my estimation this approach. anti-TCR therapy, is still in the 
early stages and will take some time to reach the clinical trial stage.  
Toleragen research is farther ahead and closer to becoming an accepted 
treatment for autoimmune disease.