Anti–CD3 Antibody Treatment: a Promising Immunotherapeutic for Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease characterized by spontaneous pancreatic beta cells destruction. The central cause of T1D is mainly the weakening of central and peripheral tolerance. So, the induction of tolerance is a major goal for most of the immunotherapies. Investigations over the last couple of decades have shown that anti–CD3 monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) and their therapeutic variants effectively treat autoimmune disease in animal models, and have also shown promise in clinical trials. Tolerance induction by anti–CD3 mAbs is mainly related to the induction of Th2 type immune response and regulatory T cells (Tregs) development that control pathogenic autoimmune responses. Here, we review main findings of last couple of decades research, and current scenario of anti–CD3 mediated immune tolerance, and preclinical and clinical studies in which anti–CD3 mAbs have been used.