Avoiding untoward immune responses to novel gene products.
For successful therapeutic transfection of a missing (or corrective) gene, by the use of liposomes or other delivery systems, it is essential that the patient be immunosuppressed to the corresponding immunogenic, transgenic protein prior to its transfection. We have developed a method for antigen-specific, long-term suppression of de novo induction of both antibodies and cytotoxic T lymphocytes--in spite of repeated administration of the antigen in question over extended periods. The method consists of converting the antigen to its tolerogenic derivative by coupling it to an appropriate number of molecules of monomethoxypolyethylene glycol (mPEG).
Sehon
Alec H
AH
Immunology Dept, The University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, MB, Canada. sehona@ms.umanitoba.ca
Lang
Glen M
GM
D000485:Allergens / Q000737:chemistry; D000818:Animals; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D007073:Immunoglobulin E / Q000378:metabolism; D007167:Immunotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D051379:Mice; D016377:Organ Transplantation / Q000379:methods; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000494:pharmacology; D051381:Rats; D013602:T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / Q000378:metabolism*; D014162:Transfection
D000485:Allergens; D007073:Immunoglobulin E; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C028210:monomethoxypolyethylene glycol