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Biomedical subjects

J S Bromberg

Publications and source records attributed to J S Bromberg.

At least 19 recordsLinked to original sources

Viral IL-10 gene transfer decreases inflammation and cell adhesion molecule expression in a rat model of venous thrombosis.

Post-thrombotic inflammation probably contributes to chronic venous insufficiency, and little effective treatment exists. IL-10 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that previously has been shown to decrease perithrombotic inflammation and thrombosis. We investigated in a rat model whether local expression of viral IL-10 (vIL-10) in a segment of vein that undergoes thrombosis would confer an anti-inflammatory effect and how this effect might be mediated. Rats underwent inferior vena cava isolation, cannulation, and instillation of saline or adenovirus encoding either beta-galactosidase or vIL-10. Two days after transfection, thrombosis was induced, 2 days after this the rats underwent gadolinium (Gd)-enhanced magnetic resonance venography exam, and the vein segments were harvested. Tissue transfection was confirmed by either RT-PCR of vIL-10 or positive 5-bromo-4-chloro-3-indolyl beta-d-galactopyranoside (X-Gal) staining. vIL-10 significantly decreased both leukocyte vein wall extravasation and area of Gd enhancement compared with those in controls, suggesting decreased inflammation. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated decreased endothelial border staining of P- and E-selectin, while ELISA of vein tissue homogenates revealed significantly decreased P- and E-selectin and ICAM-1 levels in the vIL-10 group compared with those in controls. Importantly, native cellular IL-10 was not significantly different between the groups. However, neither clot weight nor coagulation indexes, including tissue factor activity, tissue factor Ag, or von Willebrand factor levels, were significantly affected by local vIL-10 expression. These data suggest that local transfection of vIL-10 decreases venous thrombosis-associated inflammation and cell adhesion molecule expression, but does not directly affect local procoagulant activity.

Animals↗

A single amino acid determines the immunostimulatory activity of interleukin 10.

Cellular interleukin 10s (cIL-10s) of human and murine origin have extensive sequence and structural homology to the Epstein-Barr virus BCRF-I gene product, known as viral IL-10 (vIL-10). Although these cytokines share many immunosuppressive properties, vIL-10 lacks several of the immunostimulatory activities of cIL-10 on certain cell types. The molecular and cellular bases for this dichotomy are not currently defined. Here, we show that the single amino acid isoleucine at position 87 of cIL-10 is required for its immunostimulatory function. Substitution of isoleucine in cIL-10 with alanine, which corresponds to the vIL-10 residue, abrogates immunostimulatory activity for thymocytes, mast cells, and alloantigenic responses while preserving immunosuppressive activity for inhibition of interferon gamma production and prolongation of cardiac allograft survival. Conversely, substitution of alanine with isoleucine in vIL-10 converts it to a cIL-10-like molecule with immunostimulatory activity. This single conservative residue alteration significantly affects ligand affinity for receptor; however, affinity changes do not necessarily alter specific activities for biologic responses in a predictable fashion. These results suggest complex regulation of IL-10 receptor-ligand interactions and subsequent biological responses. These results demonstrate that vIL-10 may represent a captured and selectively mutated cIL-10 gene that benefits viral pathogenesis by leading to ineffective host immune responses. The ability to manipulate the activity of IL-10 in either a stimulatory or suppressive direction may be of practical value for regulating immune responses for disease therapy, and of theoretical value for determining what aspects of IL-10 activity are important for normal T cell responses.

Alanine↗

Gene transfer of immunomodulatory peptides correlates with heme oxygenase-1 induction and enhanced allograft survival.

BACKGROUND: Decapeptides derived from human HLA class I sequences have been shown to prolong allograft survival. The mechanism of action of these peptides has been uncertain, because they act in an MHC unrestricted manner. Recently, it was found that these peptides bind heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1). In the present study, we sought to determine whether local delivery of these peptides through gene transfer could extend allograft survival, and to explore the underlying mechanisms. METHODS: C57BL/6 neonatal hearts were transplanted to CBA/J recipients and the peptide, or plasmid DNA encoding the peptide, was injected directly into the allograft at the time of the transplant. RESULTS: Direct injection of 1 microg of the B2702 peptide into the allograft did not prolong survival (13.3+/-0.8 vs. 13.4+/-0.8 days for untreated controls), but injection of 400 microg of peptide did extend survival (22.0+/-0.6). Injection of plasmid DNA encoding the B2702 peptide was superior to peptide delivery, extending graft survival to 30.8+/-1.5 days. Similar results were obtained using another plasmid encoding the rationally designed peptide BC1 (28.5+/-1.7), whereas no significant prolongation was observed using a plasmid encoding the control peptide B2705 (16.5+/-1.0). To explore the hypothesis that these peptides exert their immunosuppressive effect by altering HO-1 activity, animals were treated with iron protoporphyrin, an inducer of HO-1 activity, or tin protoporphyrin, an inhibitor of HO-1. Treatment with iron protoporphyrin alone extended graft survival (24.5+/-1.6) and did not alter the benefit in survival seen with BC1 gene transfer (28.0+/-0.8). In contrast, treatment with tin protoporphyrin abolished the benefit of BC1 gene transfer (17.0+/-0.6). CONCLUSIONS: These results demonstrate that plasmid mediated gene transfer is an effective means for delivering immunosuppressive peptides to extend allograft survival. The experiments suggest that these peptides may act by increasing HO-1 activity and support a role for HO-1 in immune regulation and allograft survival.

Animals↗

Transforming growth factor-beta1 gene transfer ameliorates acute lung allograft rejection.

BACKGROUND: The aim of the current work was to study the feasibility of functional gene transfer using the gene encoding for transforming growth factor-beta1, a known immunosuppressive cytokine, on rat lung allograft function in the setting of acute rejection. METHODS: The rat left lung transplant technique was used in all experiments, with Brown Norway donor rats and Fischer recipient rats. After harvest, left lungs were transfected ex vivo with either sense or antisense transforming growth factor-beta1 constructs complexed to cationic lipids, then implanted into recipients. On postoperative days 2, 5, and 7, animals were put to death, arterial oxygenation measured, and acute rejection graded histologically. RESULTS: On postoperative day 2, there were no differences in acute rejection or lung function between animals treated with transforming growth factor-beta1 and control animals. On postoperative day 5, oxygenation was significantly improved in grafts transfected with the transforming growth factor-beta1 sense construct compared with antisense controls (arterial oxygen tension = 411 +/- 198 vs 103 +/- 85 mm Hg, respectively; P =.002). Acute rejection scores from lung allografts were also significantly improved, corresponding to decreases in both vascular and airway rejection (vascular rejection scores: 2.0 +/- 0. 5 vs 2.8 +/- 0.6; P =.04; airway rejection scores: 1.3 +/- 0.7 vs 2. 3 +/- 0.8, respectively; P =.02). The amelioration of acute rejection was temporary and decreased by postoperative day 7. CONCLUSIONS: The feasibility of using gene transfer techniques to introduce novel functional genes in the setting of lung transplantation is demonstrated. In this model of rat lung allograft rejection, gene transfer of transforming growth factor-beta1 resulted in temporary but significant improvements in lung allograft function and acute rejection pathology.

Acute Disease↗

Gene transfer of virally encoded chemokine antagonists vMIP-II and MC148 prolongs cardiac allograft survival and inhibits donor-specific immunity.

Introducing immunomodulatory molecules into allografts by gene transfer may avoid the side-effects of systemic immunosuppression. vMIP-II and MC148 are two recently identified chemokine homologues encoded by human herpes virus 8 and Molluscum contagiosum, respectively, that have antagonistic activities against multiple different CC and CXC chemokine receptors. We hypothesized that introduction of these molecules into cardiac allografts may block leukocyte infiltration into the grafts and prolong survival. Vascularized and nonvascularized cardiac allografts in mice were performed and plasmid DNA encoding vMIP-II, MC148 and/or vIL-10 was transferred into the allograft at the time of transplantation. Gene transfer of either vMIP-II or MC148 into cardiac allografts markedly prolonged graft survival. Combining gene transfer of either one of these chemokine antagonists with vIL-10 gene transfer, which has a mechanistically different immunosuppressive action, further enhanced graft survival. vMIP-II and MC148 gene transfer both resulted in a marked decrease of donor-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) infiltrating the grafts and inhibited alloantibody production. These results demonstrate that plasmid-mediated gene transfer of virally encoded chemokine antagonists vMIP-II and MC148 can block donor-specific lymphocyte immunity within cardiac allografts and prolong graft survival. This is a new mechanistic approach to analyze, treat, and prevent graft rejection. Delivery of these or related molecules by gene transfer or conventional pharmacologic means may represent a novel therapeutic modality for alloactivation.

Animals↗

Epstein-Barr virus-induced posttransplant lymphoproliferative disorders. ASTS/ASTP EBV-PTLD Task Force and The Mayo Clinic Organized International Consensus Development Meeting.

Epstein-Barr virus-induced posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (EBV-PTLD) continues to be a major complication after solid organ transplantation in high-risk patients. Despite the identification of risk factors that predispose patients to develop EBV-PTLD, limitations in our knowledge of its pathogenesis, variable criteria for establishing the diagnosis, and lack of randomized studies addressing the prevention and treatment of EBV-PTLD hamper the optimal management of this transplant complication. This review summarizes the current knowledge of EBV-PTLD and, as a result of two separate international meetings on this topic, and provides recommendations for future areas of study.

Epstein-Barr Virus Infections↗

CD2 and CD3 receptor-mediated tolerance: constraints on T cell activation.

BACKGROUND: Antigen specific allograft tolerance is induced in mice by anti-CD2 plus anti-CD3epsilon monoclonal antibody (mAb) treatment. Because anti-CD2 mAb inhibits several aspects of anti-CD3epsilon driven T cell activation, we investigated what components of T cell activation are required or may be dispensed with for tolerance induction. Anti-CD3epsilon-mediated T cell activation depends on FcgammaR interactions. METHODS: To assess the role of FcgammaR-mediated T cell activation in tolerance induction, FcgammaR binding IgG or non-binding IgG3 anti-CD3epsilon mAbs were examined. RESULTS: These mAbs, administered in conjunction with anti-CD2, were equally effective in inducing tolerance. Moreover, in vivo administration of a blocking mAb directed against the FcgammaR, or the use of allograft recipients deficient in FcgammaR, had no effect on tolerance induction. Blocking IL-2 using mAb directed against IL-2 or IL-2R also did not prevent the induction of tolerance. These results suggest that complete T cell activation was not required for tolerance induction. However, substitution of a partially activating mAb, directed against the T cell receptor (TCR) beta subunit for anti-CD3epsilon, failed to synergize with anti-CD2 mAb to induce tolerance. The anti-TCRbeta mAb and anti-CD3epsilon mAb were found to differentially down modulate expression of TCR/CD3 complex subunits. In particular, anti-CD3epsilon caused transient down modulation of the TCRbeta receptor subunit and the TCRzeta signaling module, and this pattern was enhanced and prolonged by anti-CD2. Anti-TCRbeta caused persistent TCRzeta modulation but no TCRbeta modulation, and anti-CD2 did not influence this pattern. CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that, although full T cell activation is not required for the induction of tolerance by anti-CD2 plus anti-CD3epsilon mAb, a signal transduction pathway that is associated with TCRbeta and TCRzeta expression, and, specifically, is perturbed by mAb binding of the CD3epsilon epitope, is critical.

Animals↗

Liposome-mediated gene transfer in rat lung transplantation: A comparison between the in vivo and ex vivo approaches.

OBJECTIVE: We compared the efficacy of in vivo and ex vivo liposome transfection in rat lung transplantation. METHODS: (1) Chloramphenicol acetyltransferase group: Fischer rats underwent isogeneic transplantation (n = 4 per group). Recipients were put to death on postoperative day 2 for chloramphenicol acetyltransferase activity. Ex vivo setting: Grafts received cDNA complexed or not with liposomes and were transplanted after 1.5 or 10 hours at 10 degreesC. In vivo setting: Donors were intravenously injected with cDNA complexed or not with liposomes. Lungs were harvested after 1.5 or 10 hours, preserved at 10 degreesC, and transplanted. (2) Transforming growth factor-beta1 group: Brown-Norway rats served as donors and Fischer rats as recipients. All grafts were preserved for 3 hours at 10 degreesC. On postoperative day 5, arterial oxygenation and histologic rejection scores were assessed. Ex vivo setting: Grafts received transforming growth factor-beta1 sense (n = 8) or antisense (n = 7) complexed with liposomes or cDNA alone (n = 5). In vivo setting: Donors were intravenously injected with liposome:transforming growth factor-beta1 sense cDNA (n = 7). Exposure time was 3 hours. RESULTS: (1) Chloramphenicol acetyltransferase-transfection was superior in the ex vivo group but was not statistically different for longer exposure times. (2) Transforming growth factor-beta1-arterial oxygenation was superior in the ex vivo liposome:sense group. cDNA alone was inefficient. Rejection scores were not statistically different between ex vivo and in vivo liposome:sense groups but were better when the ex vivo liposome:sense group was compared with the cDNA alone or the antisense groups. CONCLUSIONS: (1) With current liposome technology, the ex vivo route is superior to the in vivo approach; (2) cDNA alone does not provide transgene expression at levels to produce a functional effect.

Animals↗

A critical role for CD48 antigen in regulating alloengraftment and lymphohematopoietic recovery after bone marrow transplantation.

The binding of CD2, present on T cells, to its counterreceptor CD48 facilitates adhesion, signaling, alloantigen-induced cytokine production, and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte responses. Because these T-cell functions have been implicated in graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) pathogenesis, we have analyzed the effects of the CD2:CD48 pathway on GVHD mediated by CD4(+) and CD8(+) T cells infused into sublethally irradiated recipients. CD4(+) T-cell-mediated, and to a lesser extent, CD8(+) T-cell-mediated GVHD was inhibited by CD2 + 48 monoclonal antibody (MoAb) infusion. To assess the effects of combined MoAb infusion on alloengraftment, two different alloengraftment bone marrow transplantation (BMT) models were used. In both, MoAb infusion markedly inhibited alloengraftment and hematopoietic recovery post-BMT. To determine if the adverse effects on lymphohematopoiesis in the allogeneic BMT recipients were caused by an immune or nonimmune mechanism, studies were performed in congenic BMT recipients to preclude an immune mechanism as the cause for delayed recovery post-BMT. MoAb infusion resulted in impaired lymphohematopoietic recovery in congenic BMT recipients and markedly reduced day 12 colony-forming unit-spleen formation in syngeneic BMT recipients, consistent with a nonimmune mediated mechanism. Because the spleen is a site of early hematopoietic recovery post-BMT, studies were performed using adult splenectomized syngeneic BMT recipients. MoAb infusion delayed recovery in both nonsplenectomized and splenectomized recipients post-BMT, indicating that the delayed hematopoietic recovery was not the consequence of an abnormal homing pattern of hematopoietic progenitors to the spleen early post-BMT. CD48 MoAb was necessary and sufficient for the inhibition of GVHD lethality and delayed lymphohematopoietic effects of the combined MoAb regimen. CD48 MoAb was found to induce a profound modulation of CD48 antigen expression on BM cells, suggesting that the CD48 antigen may have an important function in hematopoiesis in the BM compartment. Taken together, these data provide evidence that the CD48 antigen plays a critical role in regulating hematopoiesis in post-BMT.

Animals↗

Tolerance induction by anti-CD2 plus anti-CD3 monoclonal antibodies: evidence for an IL-4 requirement.

Anti-CD2 mAb plus anti-CD3 mAb induce alloantigen specific tolerance. We sought to determine whether Th2 cytokines are involved in the induction of tolerance in this model. Addition of anti-IL-4 mAb or anti-IL-10 mAb to anti-CD2 plus anti-CD3 treatment abrogated tolerance and resulted in graft survivals of 26+/-4 and 25+/-5 days, respectively. Splenocytes from the anti-IL-4 mAb and anti-IL-10 groups had greater proliferation in response to alloantigen than either tolerant or naive groups. Cytokine analysis of MLR supernatants showed increased IL-10 in the tolerant group and increased IFN-gamma in the anti-IL-4 mAb treated group. Donor-specific alloantibody responses in untreated immune animals had a predominantly Th1 (IgG2a) alloantibody response, while the tolerogenic regimen reduced the ratio of IgG2a:IgG1 titers. The addition of anti-IL-4 mAb to the tolerogenic regimen partly restored the Th1-related IgG2a response. Tolerance did not develop in IL-4 knockout animals treated with anti-CD2 plus anti-CD3 (mean graft survival, 27+/-5 days). Restoration of IL-4 to IL-4 knockout animals by gene transfer with plasmid DNA resulted in prolongation of survival to 46+/-7 days, while adoptive transfer of wild-type splenocytes into IL-4 knockout recipients resulted in indefinite graft survival (>60 days) and indefinite survival of second donor-type grafts. IL-10 gene transfer to IL-4 knockout recipients did not prolong graft survival (28+/-4). These results demonstrate that tolerance in this model is mediated at least in part by Th2-type cells that secrete IL-4, promote IL-10 and IgG1 production, and inhibit alloantigen reactivity.

Animals↗

Partial T-cell activation and anergy induction by polyclonal antithymocyte globulin.

BACKGROUND: Polyclonal antithymocyte globulins have been assumed to deplete or sequester immunocompetent T cells. We investigated the hypothesis that anti-human thymocyte globulin (ATGAM)-mediated immunosuppression is delivered via nondepletive, immunologically specific actions as a consequence of simultaneous engagement of multiple T cell receptors. METHODS: Purified T cells obtained from healthy volunteers or renal transplant recipients receiving their first dose of ATGAM were evaluated for proliferative responses and cell-mediated lympholysis. ATGAM binding and receptor expression were determined by flow cytometry. Cytokines and ATGAM levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS: ATGAM-treated T cells showed significant dose-dependent inhibition of proliferation in vitro at concentrations comparable to those measured in patients. Effectors raised after ATGAM treatment failed to develop cytotoxicity. Supernatant interleukin (IL)-2 levels in ATGAM-treated cultures were significantly reduced (P<0.01 vs. control). IL-4 was not significantly altered. In vivo studies confirmed significant ATGAM-mediated inhibition of proliferative responses. Concanavalin A and OKT3-driven proliferation were reduced 30-60% by ATGAM. Flow cytometry showed that ATGAM recognized multiple cell surface receptors and resulted in markedly increased IL-2R and CD28 expression in the absence of proliferation, demonstrating partial T-cell activation. ATGAM synergized with phorbol myristate acetate to produce strong proliferation, which suggests that it provides a calcium-based signal resulting in anergy. CONCLUSIONS: ATGAM recognizes and cross-links multiple cell surface receptors and costimulator molecules on human T cells. Simultaneous engagement by ATGAM in the context of allogeneic or mitogenic stimulation leads to partial T-cell activation and anergy.

Antilymphocyte Serum↗

Efficient transfer of genes into murine cardiac grafts by Starburst polyamidoamine dendrimers.

Starburst dendrimer, a structurally defined, spherical macromolecule composed of repeating polyamidoamino subunits, was investigated to augment plasmid-mediated gene transfer efficiency in a murine cardiac transplantation model. The grafts were directly injected with naked pCH110, a plasmid encoding beta-galactosidase (beta-Gal), or pCH110-dendrimer complex, and reporter gene expression determined by X-Gal staining. The grafts injected with pCH110-dendrimer demonstrated widespread and extended beta-Gal expression in both myocytes and the graft infiltrating cells from 7 to 28 days, compared to the grafts injected with naked pCH110 that expressed beta-Gal only in myocytes for less than 14 days. p alphaMHC-vIL-10, as plasmid encoding viral interleukin-10 (vIL-10) under the control of alpha-myosin heavy chain promoter, was able to prolong allograft survival from 13.9 +/- 0.9 days to 21.4 +/- 2.3 days (p < 0.005). When dendrimer G5EDA was used with p alphaMHC-vIL-10, 60-fold less DNA resulted in significant prolongation of graft survival to 38.6 +/- 4.7 days (p < 0.0005). The dose of DNA, the charge ratio of DNA to dendrimer, and the size generation of the dendrimers were all determined to be critical variables for prolongation of allograft survival in this model system. Thus, the use of the Starburst dendrimer dramatically increased the efficiency of plasmid-mediated gene transfer and expression. Production of immunosuppressive cytokines at higher amounts for longer periods of time in a greater expanse of tissue enhanced the immunosuppressive effect and prolonged graft survival further.

Animals↗

Lipid-mediated gene transfer of viral IL-10 prolongs vascularized cardiac allograft survival by inhibiting donor-specific cellular and humoral immune responses.

The gene encoding the immunosuppressive cytokine viral interleukin-10 (vIL-10) was introduced into BALB/c (H-2d) vascularized cardiac allografts by perfusing the graft vasculature with DNA-liposome complexes, utilizing the experimental cationic lipid gamma AP DLRIE/DOPE and a plasmid encoding vIL-10 under the control of the HCMVie promoter. The DNA to lipid ratio and DNA dose were critical factors in obtaining optimal biologic effects. Gene transfer of vIL-10 with a 3:1 DNA to lipid weight ratio using 375 micrograms DNA significantly prolonged allograft survival in MHC-mismatched C57BL/6 (H-2b) recipients (16.00 days) compared with both unmodified allografts (8.14 days) and vIL-10 antisense controls (8.28 days). Enhanced graft survival was specific to vIL-10 expression since treatment with antisense plasmid or anti-vIL-10 monoclonal antibody (mAb) abrogated the effect. Prolonged survival was associated with a novel histology characterized by a moderate mononuclear infiltrate, edema, and diffuse fibrillar/collagen deposition in the interstitium. Despite these morphologic changes, myocytes remained viable and vessels were patent. Limiting dilution analysis revealed transient infiltration of IL-2 secreting, donor-reactive, helper T lymphocytes (HTL) and cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in vIL-10 expressing grafts on day 7, that decreased significantly by day 14. Similarly, vIL-10 gene transfer inhibited the accumulation of donor-specific HTL and CTL in the spleen, compared with antisense controls. Prolonged survival was also associated with a marked decrease in IgM and IgG alloantibody production, with little to no IgG isotype switching. These results show that viral IL-10 gene transfer inhibits graft rejection in a clinically relevant model by inhibiting donor-specific cellular and humoral immune responses.

Animals↗

Promoter attenuation in gene therapy: interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibit transgene expression.

One of the major limitations to current gene therapy is the low-level and transient vector gene expression due to poorly defined mechanisms, possibly including promoter attenuation or extinction. Because the application of gene therapy vectors in vivo induces cytokine production through specific or nonspecific immune responses, we hypothesized that cytokine-mediated signals may alter vector gene expression. Our data indicate that the cytokines interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) inhibit transgene expression from certain widely used viral promoters/enhancers (cytomegalovirus, Rous sarcoma virus, simian virus 40, Moloney murine leukemia virus long terminal repeat) delivered by adenoviral, retroviral or plasmid vectors in vitro. A constitutive cellular promoter (beta-actin) is less sensitive to these cytokine effects. Inhibition is at the mRNA level and cytokines do not cause vector DNA degradation, inhibit total cellular protein synthesis, or kill infected/transfected cells. Administration of neutralizing anti-IFN-gamma monoclonal antibody results in enhanced transgene expression in vivo. Thus, standard gene therapy vectors in current use may be improved by altering cytokine-responsive regulatory elements. Determination of the mechanisms involved in cytokine-regulated vector gene expression may improve the understanding of the cellular disposition of vectors for gene transfer and gene therapy.

Adenoviruses, Human↗

Adenovirus-mediated gene transfer of viral interleukin-10 inhibits the immune response to both alloantigen and adenoviral antigen.

Although adenoviral vectors are attractive for gene transfer, their effectiveness is limited by host antiviral immune responses. In this study, we determined if host antiallograft and antiviral immunity could be diminished with an adenoviral vector encoding the immunosuppressive cytokine viral interleukin-10 (vIL-10). AdSV40vIL-10, a vIL-10-expressing adenoviral vector with an SV40 promoter, induced significant prolongation of murine cardiac allograft survival to 32.2 +/- 1.7 days compared to 14.2 +/- 1.0 days for controls (p < 0.01). This effect was specific for vIL-10 encoding vector and could be inhibited by anti-vIL-10 monoclonal antibody (mAb). In vivo administration of adenovirus facilitated the generation of adenovirus-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL), whereas treatment with AdSV40vIL-10 prevented CTL priming and generation of virus-specific immunity. AdSV40vIL-10 also induced extended expression of a beta-galactosidase reporter from a co-injected LacZ-encoding adenoviral vector. These results demonstrate that adenovirus-mediated gene transfer and expression of vIL-10 prolong allograft survival and inhibit the immune response to adenoviral antigens, thereby improving the persistence of the vector and extending transgene expression. The efficacy of adenoviral vectors can be improved by incorporating immunosuppressive genes into the vector.

Adenoviridae↗