A Cre-loxP based system for studying horizontal gene transfer.
We have previously shown that DNA can be transferred to phagocytosing cells via the uptake of apoptotic cells. We report a model system that facilitates study of antigen presentation of genes transferred specifically via horizontal gene transfer. Constructs were generated encoding the LacZ gene or the influenza A nucleoprotein silenced by a STOP sequence flanked by two loxP sites. These reporter genes were demonstrated to be silent in donor cells and become activated after phagocytosis of Cre-expressing fibroblasts or macrophages. These results provide a model system for studying the influence of horizontally transferred antigens on activation of the immune system.
Bergsmedh
Anna
A
Department of Oncology and Pathology, Cancer Centre Karolinska, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
Ehnfors
Jacob
J
Spetz
Anna-Lena
AL
Holmgren
Lars
L
D000818:Animals; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D004622:Embryo, Mammalian / Q000166:cytology; D005260:Female; D020868:Gene Silencing; D022761:Gene Transfer, Horizontal; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006801:Humans; D007111:Immunity, Cellular / Q000235:genetics; D009980:Influenza A virus / Q000235:genetics; D019426:Integrases / Q000235:genetics*; D007763:Lac Operon; D051379:Mice; D008957:Models, Genetic; D010587:Phagocytosis / Q000235:genetics; D011247:Pregnancy; D011995:Recombination, Genetic; D014162:Transfection / Q000379:methods*; D019076:Transgenes
C045073:Cre recombinase; D019426:Integrases