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Is Interleukin-38 a key player cytokine in atherosclerosis immune gene therapy?

Abdolreza Esmaeilzadeh1, Shabnam Pouyan2, Maryam Erfanmanesh3

  • 1Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran; Cancer Gene Therapy Research Center, Zanjan University of Medical Sciences, Zanjan, Iran.

Medical Hypotheses
|March 24, 2019
PubMed

Insights

This study explores a novel gene therapy for atherosclerosis, a leading cause of death. By using Interleukin-38 gene therapy in mesenchymal stem cells, researchers aim to reduce arterial inflammation without statin side effects.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Research
  • Immunology
  • Gene Therapy

Background:

  • Atherosclerosis is a major global health concern, driven by inflammation and metabolic changes, leading to heart attacks and strokes.
  • Statins are primary treatments but have associated side effects, necessitating alternative therapeutic strategies.
  • Interleukin-38 (IL-38) is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that inhibits key signaling pathways involved in atherogenesis.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the potential of Interleukin-38 gene therapy for treating atherosclerosis.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of delivering IL-38 via bone marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs).
  • To assess if this approach can mitigate atherosclerosis without the adverse effects of statins.

Main Methods:

  • Utilizing an adenoviral vector to transfer the Interleukin-38 gene into Mesenchymal Stem Cells.
  • Administering genetically modified MSCs to an ApoE-/- mouse model of atherosclerosis.
  • Monitoring the expression of IL-38 and its impact on atherosclerotic plaque development.

Main Results:

  • Expected successful gene transfer and expression of Interleukin-38 in MSCs.
  • Anticipated reduction in inflammatory markers and atherosclerotic lesion size.
  • Potential demonstration of therapeutic benefits comparable to or exceeding statins, but with a different safety profile.

Conclusions:

  • Interleukin-38 gene therapy holds promise as a novel treatment for atherosclerosis.
  • Mesenchymal Stem Cells can serve as effective carriers for gene delivery in this context.
  • This immune gene therapy approach offers a potential alternative to statins, mitigating side effects.

Keywords:
AtherosclerosisIL-38Immune gene therapyInflammationStatins

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