Modulation of exaggerated-IgE allergic responses by gene transfer-mediated antagonism of IL-13 and IL-17e

Mol Ther. 2010 Mar;18(3):511-8. doi: 10.1038/mt.2009.264. Epub 2009 Nov 24.

Abstract

Asthma and allergic rhinitis are almost invariable accompanied by elevated levels of immunoglobin E (IgE), and more importantly a genetic link between IgE levels and airway hyper-responsiveness has been established. We hypothesized that expression of soluble receptors directed against interleukin (IL)-13 and IL-17e would prevent the cytokines from engaging the cell-bound receptors and therefore help to attenuate allergic responses in a Cftr(-/-)-dependent mouse model of exaggerated-IgE responses. Cftr(-/-) mice were injected with recombinant adeno-associated virus 1 (rAAV1) intramuscularly expressing soluble receptors to IL-17e (IL-17Rh1fc) or IL-13 (IL-13Ralpha2Fc). Total IgE levels, in mice receiving the IL-17Rh1fc and IL-13Ralpha2Fc therapy, were lower than in the control group. Interestingly Aspergillus fumigatus (Af)-specific IgE levels were undetectable in both the mice receiving the IL-17Rh1fc and IL-13Ralpha2Fc therapies. Further flow cytometry analysis of intracellular gene expression suggests that blocking IL-17e may be interfering with signaling upstream of CD4+ and CD11b+ cells and reducing IgE levels by affecting signaling on these cell populations. In contrast it appears that IL-13 blockade acts downstream to reduce IgE levels probably by directly affecting B-cell maturation. These studies demonstrate the feasibility of targeting T helper 2 (Th2) cytokines with rAAV-delivered fusion proteins as a means to treat aberrant immune responses.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CD11b Antigen / biosynthesis
  • CD4 Antigens / biosynthesis
  • Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay / methods
  • Flow Cytometry / methods
  • Gene Transfer Techniques*
  • Genetic Therapy / methods*
  • Hypersensitivity / genetics*
  • Hypersensitivity / therapy
  • Immune System
  • Immunoglobulin E / genetics
  • Immunoglobulin E / metabolism*
  • Interleukin-13 / genetics*
  • Interleukin-17 / genetics*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Th2 Cells / metabolism

Substances

  • CD11b Antigen
  • CD4 Antigens
  • Interleukin-13
  • Interleukin-17
  • Immunoglobulin E