title: Local delivery of AAV2-CTLA4IgG decreases sialadenitis and improves gland function in the C57BL/6.NOD-Aec1Aec2 mouse model of Sjögren's syndrome.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen 4 (CTLA-4) is a key negative costimulatory molecule that displays a wide range of anti-inflammatory properties and is currently approved to treat rheumatoid arthritis as a recombinant fusion protein (CTLA4IgG). To better understand the role of CTLA4IgG in primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS), we generated a recombinant adeno-associated virus vector serotype 2 (AAV2) expressing a chimera of mouse CTLA-4 fused with a human immunoglobulin (AAV2-CTLA4IgG) and observed the effect of this molecule in C57BL/6.NOD-Aec1Aec2 mice, an animal model of pSS.
  
  
  METHODS
  A recombinant adeno-associated virus-2 (AAV-2) vector was constructed encoding a CTLA4IgG fusion protein. The AAV2-CTLA4IgG vector and an AAV2 control vector encoding beta galactosidase (LacZ) were administered by retrograde cannulation of the submandibular glands of C57BL/6.NOD-Aec1Aec2 mice. Protein expression was measured by ELISA and salivary glands were assessed for inflammation and activity.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Recombinant CTLA4IgG blocked B7 expression on macrophages in vitro. In vivo, localized expression of CTLA4IgG in the salivary glands of C57BL/6.NOD-Aec1Aec2 mice inhibited the loss of salivary gland activity and decreased T and B cell infiltration as well as dendritic cells and macrophages in the glands compared with control mice. In addition a decrease in several proinflammatory cytokines and an increase in transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1) expression were also observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These data suggest expression of CTLA4IgG in the salivary gland can decrease the inflammation and improve the xerostomia reported in these mice.
authors.affiliation: Molecular Physiology and Therapeutics Branch, National Institute of Dental and Cranial Research, National Institutes of Health, 10 Center Drive, MSC1190, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA.
authors.forename: Hongen
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Yin
authors.forename: Cuong Q
authors.initials: CQ
authors.lastname: Nguyen
authors.forename: Yuval
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Samuni
authors.forename: Toshimitsu
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Uede
authors.forename: Ammon B
authors.initials: AB
authors.lastname: Peck
authors.forename: John A
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: Chiorini
mesh_terms: D000069594:Abatacept; D000818:Animals; D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear / Q000097:blood / Q000276:immunology; D060887:B7 Antigens / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D016207:Cytokines / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D003713:Dendritic Cells / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D000229:Dependovirus / Q000235:genetics; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D005260:Female; D005822:Genetic Vectors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000235:genetics; D057809:HEK293 Cells; D006801:Humans; D018796:Immunoconjugates / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology*; D007765:Lacrimal Apparatus / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D008214:Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D008264:Macrophages / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism; D008297:Male; D051379:Mice; D008810:Mice, Inbred C57BL; D016688:Mice, Inbred NOD; D012469:Salivary Glands / Q000276:immunology* / Q000378:metabolism / Q000473:pathology; D012472:Salivation / Q000276:immunology; D012793:Sialadenitis / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D012859:Sjogren's Syndrome / Q000235:genetics / Q000276:immunology* / Q000628:therapy; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1 / Q000276:immunology / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D000974:Antibodies, Antinuclear; D060887:B7 Antigens; D016207:Cytokines; D018796:Immunoconjugates; D053773:Transforming Growth Factor beta1; D000069594:Abatacept