Specific deletion of autoreactive T cells by adenovirus-transfected, Fas ligand-producing antigen-presenting cells

Immunol Res. 2002;26(1-3):235-46. doi: 10.1385/ir:26:1-3:235.

Abstract

Immune privilege is a unique strategy developed in several internal organs that can prevent the development of immune attack against these vital organs. One critical mechanism of immune privilege is utilization of Fas/FasL-mediated apoptosis to delete the invading T cells at the immune privilege sites. In this article, we describe the development and application of a unique cell-gene therapy to correct defective FasL-mediated apoptosis and autoimmune disease in autoimmune mice. This cell-gene therapy strategy using antigen-presenting cells (APCs) to express FasL is not only a therapeutic tool, but also has allowed us to understand the complexity of T cell regulation and the concept of eliminating T cells in the spleen, lymph node, or elsewhere in vivo to regulate the homeostasis of the peripheral T cell response. In this regard, the FasL-expressing APCs can be considered as circulating and regulatable immune privilege sites. Our studies provide substantial evidence that FasL-expressing APCs can be introduced exogenously without liver toxicity to eliminate infiltrating T cells and prevent the development of immune attack in lung, liver, kidney, joint, and salivary gland. Therefore, given the hazardous potential of persistent T cell invasion at the local inflammatory site, it is tempting to speculate that such an endogenous control mechanism occurs normally in vivo to limit a chronic T cell inflammatory response.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adenoviridae / genetics
  • Animals
  • Antigen-Presenting Cells / immunology*
  • Apoptosis
  • Autoimmunity*
  • Fas Ligand Protein
  • Female
  • Inflammation / immunology
  • Inflammation / therapy
  • Male
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / biosynthesis*
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / deficiency
  • Membrane Glycoproteins / genetics
  • Mice
  • Models, Immunological
  • T-Lymphocytes / cytology
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • Transfection
  • fas Receptor / metabolism

Substances

  • Fas Ligand Protein
  • Fasl protein, mouse
  • Membrane Glycoproteins
  • fas Receptor