Gene therapy with IgG-HY fusion proteins to reduce male-specific T-cell reactivity in vitro

Hum Gene Ther. 2011 Jan;22(1):44-54. doi: 10.1089/hum.2010.070. Epub 2011 Jan 11.

Abstract

Graft-versus-host disease is still a major complication in stem-cell transplantation. In HLA-identical stem-cell transplantation, mismatches in minor histocompatibility antigens contribute to the development of graft-versus-host disease. As treatment of graft-versus-host disease with immunosuppressive drugs potentially also reduces the graft-versus-leukemia responses, antigen-specific tolerance induction may be used to reduce graft-versus-host disease while leaving the graft-versus-leukemia responses intact. In mouse models, induction of antigen-specific tolerance using IgG-antigen-transduced B cells can prevent and ameliorate autoimmunity. In this study, the principle of the in vivo animal model has been applied to a human in vitro model wherein induction of tolerance against the HLA class II-restricted male-specific minor histocompatibility antigen RPS4Y1 has been analyzed. T cells precultured in the presence of B cells expressing the IgG-coupled HY antigen showed reduced responsiveness selectively against the minor HY antigen RPS4Y1 in different in vitro protocols. These first observations serve as a basis for further studying and understanding the tolerizing potential of IgG constructs with human T cells.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • B-Lymphocytes / immunology
  • Cell Line
  • Female
  • Genetic Therapy*
  • Graft vs Host Disease / immunology
  • H-Y Antigen / genetics
  • H-Y Antigen / immunology
  • H-Y Antigen / therapeutic use*
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II / immunology
  • Humans
  • Immune Tolerance / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin G / genetics
  • Immunoglobulin G / immunology
  • Immunoglobulin G / therapeutic use*
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Minor Histocompatibility Antigens / immunology
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / genetics
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / immunology
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins / therapeutic use
  • Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • T-Lymphocytes / immunology*
  • T-Lymphocytes / metabolism

Substances

  • H-Y Antigen
  • Histocompatibility Antigens Class II
  • Immunoglobulin G
  • Minor Histocompatibility Antigens
  • Recombinant Fusion Proteins