Immunosuppression by cyclosporin A of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis.

Cyclosporin A (CsA), an immunosuppressant which acts selectively on antigen-responding T cells, was tried in the treatment of experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE). The drug was highly effective in preventing the appearance of clinical and pathological signs of EAE in rats, guinea pigs and monkeys. Treatment of the established disease also reduced the incidence and severity of symptoms, and significantly reduced the number of inflammatory lesions in the central nervous system.