Acthar Gel Inhibits the Activation of CD4⁺ and CD8⁺ T Cells

Abstract

Several inflammatory diseases are characterized by elevated T cell counts and high pro-inflammatory cytokine levels. Inhibiting T cell activity may reduce tissue damage associated with these diseases. Acthar ® Gel has potent anti-inflammatory properties, yet little is known about its effect on T cells. This study compared the effects of Acthar, synthetic adrenocorticotropic hormone 1–24 (ACTH 1–24 ) depot, and prednisolone in a murine model of T cell activation. Assessments of CD4 + helper and CD8 + cytotoxic T cells and plasma concentrations of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were made following anti-CD3-activation. Acthar significantly reduced the number of activated CD4 + and CD8 + T cells at amounts comparable to synthetic ACTH 1–24 depot or prednisolone. However, Acthar reduced production of IFN-γ, IL-2, and TNF-α significantly more than the other drugs, suggesting that the in vivo immunomodulatory effects of Acthar on T cells are distinct from synthetic ACTH 1–24 depot or prednisolone.