Experimental allergic encephalomyelitis is an animal model of a T cell—mediated autoimmune disease — for example, multiple sclerosis. We demonstrated that mice with experimental allergic encephalomyelitis developed retrocochlear hearing loss, and that the lesion of the auditory pathway might be related to T cell receptor Vß8–expressing T cells. To investigate whether anti-Vß8 antibody could prevent hearing loss, we carried out brain stem auditory evoked potential testing, histologic examinations, and flow cytometry in antibody-treated and control myelin basic protein—immunized B10.PL mice. The antibody was administered just before immunization of myelin basic protein. The disease incidence and severity were significantly reduced in the mice injected with the antibody. The results of brain stem auditory evoked potential testing, histologic examinations, and flow cytometry indicated that the depletion of Vß8-expressing T cells brings the prevention of hearing loss, as well as prevention of other neurologic deficits. The development of T cell receptor—specific antibody therapy might help treat retrocochlear hearing loss in multiple sclerosis.
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