Immunostimulatory RNA oligonucleotides trigger an antigen-specific cytotoxic T-cell and IgG2a response

Blood. 2007 Apr 1;109(7):2953-60. doi: 10.1182/blood-2006-07-033258.

Abstract

Single-stranded RNA oligonucleotides containing an immunostimulatory motif (immunostimulatory RNA [isRNA]) are potent inducers of interferon-alpha via the Toll-like receptor 7. We investigated the effect of isRNA on the development of an immune response. We show that isRNA activates dendritic cells and induces production of Th1-type cytokines both in vitro and in vivo. Cytokine production led to bystander activation of T and B cells. We further demonstrate that isRNA triggers the generation of antigen-specific cytotoxic T cells and of an IgG2a-biased antibody response to antigen in a sequence-dependent manner. In summary, we provide evidence for the first time that isRNA oligonucleotides can simultaneously activate the innate and adaptive arms of the immune system.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / genetics*
  • Adjuvants, Immunologic / pharmacology*
  • Animals
  • Antigens
  • Base Sequence
  • Chickens
  • Cytokines / biosynthesis
  • Dendritic Cells / drug effects
  • Dendritic Cells / immunology
  • Female
  • Immunity, Innate / drug effects
  • Immunoglobulin G / biosynthesis*
  • In Vitro Techniques
  • Lymphocyte Activation / drug effects
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred BALB C
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Oligoribonucleotides / chemistry
  • Oligoribonucleotides / genetics*
  • Oligoribonucleotides / immunology
  • Oligoribonucleotides / pharmacology*
  • Ovalbumin / immunology
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / drug effects*
  • T-Lymphocytes, Cytotoxic / immunology*
  • Th1 Cells / drug effects
  • Th1 Cells / immunology

Substances

  • Adjuvants, Immunologic
  • Antigens
  • Cytokines
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Oligoribonucleotides
  • Ovalbumin