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Modulation of viral immunoinflammatory responses with cytokine DNA administered by different routes

S Chun1, M Daheshia, N A Kuklin

  • 1Department of Microbiology, University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Tennessee 37996-0845, USA.

Journal of Virology
|June 17, 1998
PubMed

Insights

Administering plasmid DNA encoding interleukin-4 (IL-4) or interleukin-10 (IL-10) suppressed herpes simplex virus (HSV) lesions. Surface delivery of cytokine DNA offers a convenient method for modulating immunoinflammatory responses.

Area of Science:

  • Immunology
  • Virology
  • Gene Therapy

Background:

  • Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections can cause significant immunoinflammatory lesions.
  • Modulating immune responses is crucial for managing viral infections.
  • Cytokine gene therapy offers a potential strategy for immune modulation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate and compare the efficacy of plasmid DNA encoding cytokines (IL-4, IL-10, IL-2) administered via systemic or surface routes for modulating HSV-induced lesions.
  • To investigate the impact of different administration routes on the suppression of HSV-specific immune responses and ocular lesions.
  • To elucidate potential differences in the mechanisms of action for IL-4 and IL-10 DNA in modulating HSV infection.

Main Methods:

  • Plasmid DNA encoding interleukin-4 (IL-4), interleukin-10 (IL-10), or interleukin-2 (IL-2) was administered systemically or topically.
  • Mice were subsequently infected with herpes simplex virus (HSV).
  • HSV-specific delayed-type hypersensitivity responses and ocular lesion development were assessed.

Main Results:

  • Systemic or topical administration of IL-4 DNA and IL-10 DNA, but not IL-2 DNA, suppressed HSV-specific delayed-type hypersensitivity.
  • IL-4 or IL-10 DNA preadministration modulated HSV-associated immunoinflammatory ocular lesions.
  • Suppression of ocular lesions was dependent on surface administration (nasal or ocular), not intramuscular.
  • IL-10 DNA showed maximal effect with topical ocular administration; IL-4 DNA effects were similar via both routes.
  • IL-4 DNA preexposure altered Th subset balance post-HSV infection, unlike IL-10 DNA.

Conclusions:

  • Modulating effects of IL-4 and IL-10 DNA on HSV infection may involve distinct mechanisms.
  • Surface administration of cytokine DNA is a practical approach for managing immunoinflammatory lesions.
  • Cytokine gene therapy holds promise for controlling herpes simplex virus infections.

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