*3.1.8 With neural derived peptides*

Immunization with neural derived peptides (INDP) such as A91, a peptide derived from the 87–99 immunogenic sequence of myelin basic protein has shown to induce neuroprotection and motor recovery after SCI [68]. Its mechanism of action is related to the activation of T-lymphocytes inducing an anti-inflammatory Th2 response that allows microglia to differentiate into a M2 phenotype. Th2 response is capable of producing brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a molecule strongly related to tissue protection [69]. INDP has shown that anti-A91 T-lymphocytes promote tissue protection by inhibiting the expression of iNOS, reducing ON production [68] and decrease LPO after SCI [70]. On the other hand, it has been shown that all these beneficial effects contribute to the preservation of neural tissue by preventing apoptosis [71], the survival of neurons in rubrospinal tract [72] and promoting a better neurological recovery in models of SCI [46]. Studies suggest that A91 might be an immune modulating treatment for SCI.
