Induction of tolerance to self-antigens using genetically modified bone marrow cells.
The challenge of finding a lasting cure for autoimmune disease(s) has not been met. Although the use of systemic anti-inflammatory agents still dominates the treatment of these diseases, there is a push towards developing novel and more specific strategies. In addressing autoimmunity, there is the intrinsic need to understand the mechanisms that lead to the development and maintenance of immunological tolerance to self-antigens. Experimental evidence has shown that directed antigen expression in the thymus can induce immunological tolerance to that antigen. This forms the cornerstone of one strategy directed towards the cure of autoimmunity. In this strategy, individuals with autoimmune disease are transplanted with bone marrow stem cells that have been genetically modified and in this way allow expression of the self-antigen in the thymus.
Alderuccio
Frank
F
Department of Immunology, Central and Eastern Clinical School, Monash University, Commercial Road, Prahran, Melbourne, Australia, 3181. frank.alderuccio@med.monash.edu.au
Toh
Ban-Hock
BH
D000818:Animals; D001327:Autoimmune Diseases / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D001854:Bone Marrow Cells / Q000166:cytology; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation / Q000009:adverse effects; D002472:Cell Transformation, Viral; D002478:Cells, Cultured / Q000637:transplantation; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology; D005756:Gastritis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D018380:Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation; D006801:Humans; D007165:Immunosuppression Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D008232:Lymphoproliferative Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D051379:Mice; D008822:Mice, Transgenic; D051381:Rats; D017634:Self Tolerance; D016511:Severe Combined Immunodeficiency / Q000628:therapy; D013950:Thymus Gland / Q000276:immunology; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D016662:Virus Integration