FK506 as an adjuvant of tolerogenic DNA vaccination for the prevention of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis.
BACKGROUND
DNA vaccination is a strategy that has been developed primarily to elicit protective immunity against infection and cancer.


METHODS
DNA vaccine was used, in conjunction with an immunosuppressant, to tolerize harmful autoimmunity.


RESULTS
Immunization of C57BL/6 mice with MOG(35-55), a myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein-derived peptide, and FK506 (Tacrolimus) as a tolerogenic adjuvant stimulated regulatory dendritic cells, induced antigen-specific regulatory T cells (Treg), and protected the animals from subsequent induction of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). After EAE induction, there were fewer lymphocytes, including fewer T helper 17 cells, and more Treg infiltrating the spinal cord in the immunized mice compared to in control mice. Furthermore, at the peak of the EAE manifestation, CD4 T cells in the immunized mice showed decreased expression of interferon-gamma and interleukin (IL)-17, but not IL-4, in treated mice.


CONCLUSIONS
DNA vaccination, when applied with an immunosuppressant as adjuvant, can induce antigen-specific tolerance and prevent autoimmune disease.
Kang
Youmin
Y
State Key Laboratory for Agro-Biotechnology, College of Biological Science, China Agricultural University, Beijing, China.
Zhao
Jia
J
Liu
Yue
Y
Chen
Aoshuang
A
Zheng
Guoxing
G
Yu
Yang
Y
Mi
Jianjie
J
Zou
Qiang
Q
Wang
Bin
B
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic / Q000494:pharmacology*; D000818:Animals; D004681:Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / Q000276:immunology* / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D009185:Myelin Proteins; D018992:Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein / Q000235:genetics / Q000378:metabolism; D063308:Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein; D016559:Tacrolimus / Q000494:pharmacology*; D014611:Vaccination; D019444:Vaccines, DNA / Q000276:immunology*
D000276:Adjuvants, Immunologic; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; C571327:Mog protein, mouse; D009185:Myelin Proteins; D018992:Myelin-Associated Glycoprotein; D063308:Myelin-Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein; D019444:Vaccines, DNA; D016559:Tacrolimus