Related Experiment Videos
Recombinant adenovirus encoding gp100 modulates experimental melanin-protein induced uveitis (EMIU)
1Laboratory of Immunology, National Eye Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892-1858, USA. ccc@helix.nih.gov
Journal of Autoimmunity
|July 3, 1998
Summary
The Ad2CMV-gp100 adenovirus construct prevents experimental autoimmune uveitis (EMIU) by reducing ocular inflammation and IL-12p40 mRNA expression. This suggests a novel therapeutic approach for T-cell mediated autoimmune eye diseases.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Immunology
- Autoimmune Diseases
Background:
- Experimental Melanin-Protein Induced Uveitis (EMIU) is a T-cell mediated autoimmune condition.
- Gp100, a melanocyte protein, is a target in melanoma research and a component of uveal melanin-protein.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of a recombinant adenovirus encoding gp100 (Ad2CMV-gp100) on the development of EMIU in rats.
- To determine if Ad2CMV-gp100 can prevent ocular inflammation and alter cytokine expression in EMIU.
Main Methods:
- Rats were immunized to induce EMIU and pre-treated with Ad2CMV-gp100, Ad2CMV-LacZ (control), or no virus.
- Ocular inflammation was assessed via histology.
- Cytokine expression, specifically IL-12p40 mRNA, was analyzed using quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction.
Main Results:
- Western blot confirmed gp100 presence in uveal melanin-protein.
- Ad2CMV-gp100 pre-treatment significantly suppressed ocular inflammation in three independent experiments.
- Rats receiving Ad2CMV-gp100 showed significantly lower ocular IL-12p40 mRNA expression compared to controls.
Conclusions:
- Ad2CMV-gp100 injection effectively prevents the development of EMIU.
- Prevention is likely mediated, at least in part, by regulating cytokine expression, such as IL-12p40.
- Ad2CMV-gp100 shows potential as a therapeutic strategy for autoimmune uveitis.