Semliki Forest virus vectors expressing transforming growth factor beta inhibit experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in Balb/c mice

Cytokine immunomodulation of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model for multiple sclerosis, has remained a formidable treatment option, but access into the CNS is hampered due to the impermeability of the blood–brain barrier. In this report, we describe the construction and charact...

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Published in:Biochemical and biophysical research communications Vol. 355; no. 3; pp. 776 - 781
Main Authors: Vähä-Koskela, Markus J.V., Kuusinen, Tiina I., Holmlund-Hampf, Jeanette C., Furu, Petra T., Heikkilä, Jari E., Hinkkanen, Ari E.
Format: Journal Article
Language:English
Published: United States Elsevier Inc 13-04-2007
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Summary:Cytokine immunomodulation of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), a model for multiple sclerosis, has remained a formidable treatment option, but access into the CNS is hampered due to the impermeability of the blood–brain barrier. In this report, we describe the construction and characterization of CNS-homing gene delivery/therapy vectors based on avirulent Semliki Forest virus (SFV) expressing either native or mutant transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1). Biological activity of the expressed inserts was demonstrated by PAI-1 promoter driven luciferase production in mink cells and TGF-β1 mRNA was demonstrated in the CNS of virus treated mice by in situ hybridization and RT-PCR. Both vectors, when given intraperitoneally to EAE mice significantly reduced disease severity compared to untreated mice. Our results imply that immunomodulation by neurotropic viral vectors may offer a promising treatment strategy for autoimmune CNS disorders.
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ISSN:0006-291X
1090-2104
DOI:10.1016/j.bbrc.2007.02.026