Potential effect of cytokines on transgene expression in primary fibroblasts implanted into the rat brain

Fibroblasts genetically modified with retroviral vectors fail to demonstrate long-term transgene expression upon implantation into the body. Although the mechanisms behind this phenomenon have not been elucidated, one likely cause is the response of the host to the graft. For example, genetically modified fibroblasts grafted into the brain are surrounded by activated microglia and astrocytes. The apparent inflammatory response can last for several weeks. In addition, the center of the graft is typically infiltrated with macrophage-like cells that appear to reside continuously within the graft. This proximity of inflammatory cells to the graft suggests that these cells may somehow influence transgene expression. In the current study, an in vitro model was used to test the effect cytokines [transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-beta1), interleukin-1beta, (IL-1beta) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha)] that are typically released by peripheral macrophages, activated microglia and/or astrocytes have on long-terminal repeat (LTR)-driven transgene expression in primary fibroblasts. Our data demonstrate that these cytokines can significantly reduce the steady-state level of proviral mRNA. The amount of proviral mRNA returned to control levels within 24 h if the cytokines were removed. In addition, the down-regulation of proviral mRNA levels could be prevented if the cells were incubated with dexamethasone (25 microM) concurrent with the introduction of cytokines. These data demonstrate that cytokines can down-regulate LTR-driven transgene expression in primary fibroblasts maintained in culture. This interaction may be a major reason why transduced cells do not demonstrate long-term transgene expression in vivo.