In vitro and in vivo targeted delivery of IL-10 interfering RNA by JC virus-like particles.
BACKGROUND
RNA interference (RNAi) is a powerful tool to silence gene expression post-transcriptionally. Delivering sequences of RNAi in vivo remains a problem. The aim of this study was to use JC virus (JCV) virus-like particles (VLPs) as a vector for delivering RNAi in silencing the cytokine gene of IL-10.


METHODS
JCV VLPs were generated by recombinant JCV VP1 protein in yeast expression system. DNA fragment containing IL-10 shRNA was packaged into VLPs by osmotic shock.


RESULTS
In RAW 264.7 cells, IL-10 shRNA was found to reduce IL-10 expression by 85 to 89%, as compared with VLPs alone. IL-10 shRNA did not cross-react with TNF-alpha mRNA or influence the expression of TNF-alpha. In BALB/c mice IL-10 shRNA could reduce 95% of IL-10 secretion. Surprisingly, it also down regulated TNF-alpha expression.


CONCLUSIONS
We show for the first time that JCV VLPs empty capsids are competent vectors to deliver RNAi and are nontoxic to cells, suggesting that JCV VLPs is an efficient agent to deliver RNAi in both murine macrophage cells and BALB/c mice. This system provides an efficient means for delivering the RNAi for gene therapy purposes.
Chou
Meng-Ing
MI
Institute of Medicine, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.
Hsieh
Yu-Fan
YF
Wang
Meilin
M
Chang
Jinghua Tsai
JT
Chang
Deching
D
Zouali
Moncef
M
Tsay
Gregory J
GJ
D000818:Animals; D001483:Base Sequence; D036022:Capsid Proteins / Q000235:genetics; D002460:Cell Line; D018076:DNA, Complementary / Q000235:genetics; D005260:Female; D015870:Gene Expression; D005822:Genetic Vectors; D066298:In Vitro Techniques; D016753:Interleukin-10 / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors* / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics*; D007577:JC Virus / Q000235:genetics*; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D034622:RNA Interference; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000235:genetics*; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha / Q000096:biosynthesis / Q000235:genetics; D014771:Virion / Q000235:genetics
D036022:Capsid Proteins; D018076:DNA, Complementary; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D014409:Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha; C062481:VP1 protein, polyomavirus; D016753:Interleukin-10