Delivery of T cells with transiently expressed injury-associated T cell receptors (TCRs) improves recovery in a mouse model of spinal cord injury (SCI), according to new research published in Nature. The study helps to elucidate the neuroprotective mechanisms of autoimmune T cells during the early stages of injury, which could be harnessed through T cell therapy to improve long-term outcomes.

Previous research has indicated a neuroprotective role for myelin-reactive CD4+ T cells following CNS injury. However, the mechanisms that favour neuroprotection over harmful autoimmune effects are unclear. The researchers set out to gain a deeper understanding of these mechanisms with the hope that the information could inform the development of T cell therapy for CNS injuries.