DNA Containing Bioactive CpG Motifs Promote Angiogenesis

Unmethylated CpG motifs exist at high frequency in the genomes of many bacteria and viruses, including the herpes simplex virus (HSV). These motifs are intrinsically bioactive, stimulating cells of both the immune and central nervous systems. Researchers explored the notion that DNA containing CpG motifs could mediate additional effects in vivo, focusing on whether CpG DNA could directly or indirectly promote the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis). They found that both purified HSV DNA and synthetic oligodeoxynucleotides (ODN) containing CpG motifs stimulated new blood vessel formation. This effect was associated with the production of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and was prevented by the co-administration of anti-VEGF antibodies. Results of the study suggest that bioactive CpG motifs induce the production of VEGF, thereby promoting angiogenesis, and raise the possibility that CpG ODN may be of benefit in clinical states that require revascularization. (c) 2002 Prous Science. All rights reserved.