Selective homing of autoreactive lymphocytes to the pancreatic islets of Langerhans is essential for triggering the cascade of molecular and cellular interactions which culminate in the specific destruction of the insulin-producing beta-cells. Based upon the sequential multistep model of lymphocyte adhesion to the endothelium, we investigated the possibility of preventing the progression of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) by selectively blocking L-selectin and alpha 4-integrin homing receptors, which function at different stages of the adhesion process. Treatment of NOD mice with mAb specific for L-selectin or alpha 4-integrin resulted in a significant inhibition of lymphocytic infiltration (insulitis). Both spontaneous development and acute transfer of IDDM were completely prevented by administration of anti-alpha 4-integrin antibody and partially inhibited by anti-L-selectin antibody. The protective effect was of long duration. Interestingly, the autoimmune T cell responses to a panel of beta cell autoantigens and the lymphocytic infiltration of salivary glands (sialadenitis) appeared unaffected by anti-L-selectin or anti-alpha 4-integrin treatment. These data suggest that prevention of lymphocyte homing to the pancreatic islets may provide a selective target for prevention/treatment of IDDM in patients.
