Abstract
A strong immune response against transgenic cells is one important limitation for long-term expression after adenoviral gene transfer in mammals. Continuous pharmacological immunosuppression has been shown to ameliorate immune reactions and to prolong reporter gene expression. In this study, we explored the effect of short-term immunosuppression for long-term gene expression and its impact on antibody formation. Immunosuppression with FK 506 (1 mg/kg/day), cyclosporin A (20 mg/kg/day) and 15-deoxyspergualin (10 mg/kg/day) was performed in NMRI mice. Expression of the reporter gene human alpha-1-antitrypsin (hAAT) and antibody formation was monitored for 7 months. A 5-day course of 15-deoxyspergualin (15-DSG) markedly slowed the decline of reporter gene expression and a positive effect was still detectable 200 days after gene transfer. At the same time, antibody production was reduced by 50–60%. Continuous treatment with 15-DSG (10 mg/kg twice weekly) led to a further small increase of gene expression but reduced antibody formation by 80–90%. A short course of FK 506 and cyclosporin A (CsA), had conferred a negative effect on gene expression. Both groups showed an even faster reduction in gene expression compared with the control group. The results of this investigation suggest that 15-DSG could serve as an effective supplement for viral gene therapy protocols.
This is a preview of subscription content, access via your institution
Access options
Subscribe to this journal
Receive 12 print issues and online access
$259.00 per year
only $21.58 per issue
Buy this article
- Purchase on Springer Link
- Instant access to full article PDF
Prices may be subject to local taxes which are calculated during checkout
Similar content being viewed by others
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Cichon, G., Strauss, M. Transient immunosuppression with 15-deoxyspergualin prolongs reporter gene expression and reduces humoral immune response after adenoviral gene transfer. Gene Ther 5, 85–90 (1998). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.gt.3300555
Received:
Accepted:
Published:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.gt.3300555
Keywords
This article is cited by
-
Identification of multiple genetic loci that regulate adenovirus gene therapy
Gene Therapy (2004)
-
Ovine adenovirus vectors mediate efficient gene transfer to skeletal muscle
Gene Therapy (2000)
-
Variation in the immune response to adenoviral vectors in the brain: influence of mouse strain, environmental conditions and priming
Gene Therapy (1999)