Gene therapy provides a possible means to deliver anti-inflammatory biological agents, such as interleukin-10, for long-term treatment of autoimmune arthritis. Adenoviral vector mediated gene therapy allows for high expression of these therapeutic proteins. However, this expression is normally short-lived, in part due to immunogenicity of the viral vector and/or transgenic protein being expressed. Studies outlined in the first two specific aims will determine whether transgene expression can be prolonged utilizing adenoviral vectors engineered to reduce immunogenicity to the adenoviral vector and/or transgenic protein product. The third specific aim functionally tests these vectors in the CIA mouse model system for their effects on autoimmune arthritis. The studies outlined in this proposal will provide valuable data in furthering the development of gene therapy for autoimmune arthritis.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases (NIAMS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
5F32AR047712-02
Application #
6403162
Study Section
General Medicine A Subcommittee 2 (GMA)
Program Officer
Gretz, Elizabeth
Project Start
2001-01-04
Project End
Budget Start
2001-01-04
Budget End
2002-01-03
Support Year
2
Fiscal Year
2001
Total Cost
$43,772
Indirect Cost
Name
Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center
Department
Type
DUNS #
071284913
City
Cincinnati
State
OH
Country
United States
Zip Code
45229
Thornton, Sherry; Sowders, Dawn; Aronow, Bruce et al. (2002) DNA microarray analysis reveals novel gene expression profiles in collagen-induced arthritis. Clin Immunol 105:155-68
Thornton, S; Kuhn, K A; Finkelman, F D et al. (2001) NK cells secrete high levels of IFN-gamma in response to in vivo administration of IL-2. Eur J Immunol 31:3355-60