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

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.