title: CD44 variant DNA vaccination with virtual lymph node ameliorates experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis through the induction of apoptosis.
abstract: Standard CD44 (CD44s) and its alternatively spliced variants (CD44v) were found to be associated with the metastatic potential of tumor cells, and with cell migration of autoimmune inflammatory cells, including cells involved in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether induction of anti-CD44 immune reactivity, through cDNA vaccination could down-regulate EAE. Our vaccination technique involved the insertion of CD44s or CD44v cDNA into a silicone tube filled with 2.5 cm long segment of hydroxylated-polyvinyl acetate wound dressing sponge (forming a virtual lymph node) which was implanted under the skin of SJL/J mice immunized with myelin antigens for EAE induction. Animals vaccinated with CD44v cDNA developed significantly less severe EAE when compared with sham vaccinated animals or animals vaccinated with CD44s cDNA. The in vitro proliferation of lymphocytes was preserved regarding myelin antigens and mitogens. Histopathological examinations revealed a significant reduction of EAE lesions and enhanced apoptosis in central nervous system (CNS)-infiltrating cells of the successfully vaccinated animals. Such methods of cDNA vaccination with CD44 could be applicable in inflammatory CNS diseases, like multiple sclerosis.
authors: Lautenberg Center for General and Tumor Immunology, Hebrew University-Hadassah Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel.
authors: Tali
authors: T
authors: Garin
authors: Ariel
authors: A
authors: Rubinstein
authors: Nikolaos
authors: N
authors: Grigoriadis
authors: Shlomo
authors: S
authors: Nedvetzki
authors: Oded
authors: O
authors: Abramsky
authors: Rachel
authors: R
authors: Mizrachi-Koll
authors: Carla
authors: C
authors: Hand
authors: David
authors: D
authors: Naor
authors: Dimitrios
authors: D
authors: Karussis
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis / Q000276:immunology*; D053148:Caspase 3 / Q000378:metabolism; D002452:Cell Count / Q000379:methods; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D004681:Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology; D020287:In Situ Nick-End Labeling; D008198:Lymph Nodes; D051379:Mice; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D013997:Time Factors; D014611:Vaccination / Q000379:methods; D019444:Vaccines, DNA / Q000276:immunology* / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D018960:Hyaluronan Receptors; D019444:Vaccines, DNA; D053148:Caspase 3