Autoimmune encephalomyelitis may be ameliorated experimentally by enhancing NK cell-mediated elimination of activated autoreactive T cells through a mutation that interrupts the interaction between Qa-1^b and CD94/NKG2A. Here we evaluate the ability of an anti-NKG2A F(ab′)₂ Ab to enhance elimination of autoreactive T cells and reduce experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). Anti-NKG2A F(ab′)₂ treatment diminishes progression of both myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein (MOG)-induced EAE in intact C57BL/6 mice and after adoptive transfer of disease-causing T cells. Analyses of the underlying mechanism revealed that administration of anti-NKG2A F(ab′)₂ Ab reduces CD4⁺ T recall responses to MOG and skews the proportion of IL-17- and IFNγ-producing CD4⁺ T cells toward the protective IL-4- and IL-10-secreting CD4⁺ T cell subpopulations. CD94/NKG2A-dependent inhibition of inflammatory damage to spinal cord is associated with decreased infiltration of T cells and reduced microglia activation in the central nervous system. Because anti-NKG2A F(ab′)₂ treatment had no detectable effect on the numbers or activity of T and B lymphocytes and NK cells in peripheral lymphoid tissues, this anti-NKG2A-based approach may represent a safe and effective therapy for this CNS disorder.