Adenovirus induced acute hepatitis in non-human primates after liver-directed gene therapy.
OBJECTIVE
To define the mechanism of acute hepatitis in non-human primates after liver directed gene therapy.


METHODS
Differences in immune response exhibited by 8 rhesus monkeys receiving adenovirus (Ad) or lipofectamine-mediated gene transfer by various routes, the time course, and the nature of the specific immune responses to both adenoviral vectors and transgene products were studied using HE staining (H&E) and immunohistochemical staining.


RESULTS
The monkeys developed mild to moderate acute hepatitis 1 to 3 weeks after intravenous or intrabiliary injection of first generation replication-defective adenoviruses carrying the Escherichia coli lacZ gene. This was accompanied by adenovirus-mediated T-cell proliferation and neutralizing antibodies to the adenovirus. Increased numbers of CD3(+), CD4(+) and CD8(+) T-lymphocytes were detected in the diseased livers, while B-lymphocytes were absent. Hepatocytes demonstrated increased expression of beta 2-microglobulins (beta 2-MG) and HLA-DR antigens in the plasma membranes. The development of acute hepatitis and the accompanying immune abnormalities were delayed in immunosuppressed monkeys until after the discontinuation of immunosuppressive therapy. The monkeys infused with Ad. CMVluc showed more significant and longer durations of hepatitis than the monkeys infused with adenoviruses carrying the lacZ gene. Lipofectamine-mediated gene transfer was inefficient. There was neither lacZ expression nor significant immune response in the liver of monkeys infused with lipofectamine via the portal vein or the common bile duct.


CONCLUSIONS
Immune response to the hepatocytes in liver directed gene therapy is MHC class I restricted and T-cell mediated. Both adenoviral vectors and foreign genes are related to the liver damage. Mild to moderate hepatic inflammation seen with the E-1 deleted vector is reversible. Immunosuppression regimens may prolong transgene expression and delay the development of acute adenoviral hepatitis.
Department of Infectious Diseases Research, Dalian 116041, China. huiyilu@mail.dlptt.ln.cn
Huiying
H
Lu
Deborah
D
Sullivan
Michael A
MA
Gerber
Srikanta
S
Dash
D000208:Acute Disease; D000256:Adenoviridae / Q000235:genetics*; D000257:Adenoviridae Infections / Q000235:genetics*; D000818:Animals; D017252:CD3 Complex / Q000032:analysis; D015704:CD4 Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D016827:CD8 Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D004274:DNA, Recombinant / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000235:genetics; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens / Q000032:analysis; D006520:Hepatitis, Animal / Q000235:genetics / Q000821:virology*; D007150:Immunohistochemistry; D008099:Liver / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism* / Q000473:pathology; D008253:Macaca mulatta; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin / Q000032:analysis
D017252:CD3 Complex; D015704:CD4 Antigens; D016827:CD8 Antigens; D004274:DNA, Recombinant; D006684:HLA-DR Antigens; D001613:beta 2-Microglobulin