DNA vaccines encoding self antigens can suppress the incidence of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE), the animal disease model for multiple sclerosis. Recent DNA vaccine studies have used either skin or muscle as their routes of immunization. However, in EAE, an organ-specific disease, localization of DNA vaccine-induced immune responses within the central nervous system (CNS) may be a more practical application. In order to maximize long term effectiveness of encoded antigen synthesis and presentation in the CNS, we will target specific cell types that either circulate in the periphery or reside within the CNS. After ex vivo vaccination with a DNA minigene encoding the enecphalitogenic peptide PLP 139-151, transfected cell types will be transplanted into naive SJL/J mice. We will then induce EAE to determine whether ex vivo DNA vaccination can suppress the pathogenic potential of effector T cells in experimental mice. This study will maximize the delivery feature of DNA vaccination as treatment for organ-specific autoimmune diseases.

Agency
National Institute of Health (NIH)
Institute
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS)
Type
Postdoctoral Individual National Research Service Award (F32)
Project #
1F32NS011115-01
Application #
6210202
Study Section
Special Emphasis Panel (ZRG1-IMB (01))
Program Officer
Kerza-Kwiatecki, a P
Project Start
2000-09-01
Project End
Budget Start
2000-09-01
Budget End
2001-08-31
Support Year
1
Fiscal Year
2000
Total Cost
$30,916
Indirect Cost
Name
Stanford University
Department
Neurology
Type
Schools of Medicine
DUNS #
800771545
City
Stanford
State
CA
Country
United States
Zip Code
94305
Ho, Peggy P; Fontoura, Paulo; Platten, Michael et al. (2005) A suppressive oligodeoxynucleotide enhances the efficacy of myelin cocktail/IL-4-tolerizing DNA vaccination and treats autoimmune disease. J Immunol 175:6226-34
Fontoura, Paulo; Ho, Peggy P; DeVoss, Jason et al. (2004) Immunity to the extracellular domain of Nogo-A modulates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis. J Immunol 173:6981-92
Ho, Peggy P; Fontoura, Paulo; Ruiz, Pedro J et al. (2003) An immunomodulatory GpG oligonucleotide for the treatment of autoimmunity via the innate and adaptive immune systems. J Immunol 171:4920-6