Aerosolized anti-T-cell-receptor antibodies are effective against airway inflammation and hyperreactivity

Aerosolized monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) specific for T-cell receptors (TCR) were used to manipulate T-cell function in airways of ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized and -challenged mice with airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). The inhaled mAbs were found to be effective at low doses, had little or no systemic effect and specifically abrogated both effector and regulatory functions of the targeted T cells. Specific mAbs targeting αβ T cells suppressed and those targeting γδ T cells enhanced AHR. Moreover, specific mAbs directed against subsets of γδ T cells varied in their effect on AHR. Using this approach of targeting either αβ or γδ T cells reduced airway eosinophila, although the effect of mAbs specific for αβ T cells was stronger. The use of aerosolized anti-TCR mAbs may offer an effective approach for the treatment of airway inflammation and AHR.