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 (ACTH1-24) 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 ACTH1-24 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 ACTH1-24 depot or prednisolone.
Keywords: Acthar gel; CD4; CD8; RCI; T cells; repository corticotropin injection.