Abstract
Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a pleiotropic cytokine with neuroprotective properties that has been identified as a potential therapeutic agent for diseases of the central nervous system (CNS). The use of BDNF has been limited by a short serum half-life and poor penetration of the blood-brain barrier. To address this limitation we have explored cell-based approaches to delivery. We have used experimental allergic encephalomyelitis (EAE), an inflammatory disease of the CNS, as a model system. We engineered hematopoietic stem cells to produce BDNF to determine the feasibility and effectiveness of cell-based delivery of BDNF into the CNS in EAE. We review those studies here.
MeSH terms
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Animals
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Blood-Brain Barrier / metabolism*
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Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / genetics
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Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / metabolism
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Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor / therapeutic use*
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Cell Movement
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Cells, Cultured
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Central Nervous System / drug effects*
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Cytokines / metabolism
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Drug Delivery Systems
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Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / immunology
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Encephalomyelitis, Autoimmune, Experimental / therapy*
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Genetic Engineering
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Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation
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Hematopoietic Stem Cells / physiology*
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Humans
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Mice
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Mice, Inbred Strains
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Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use*
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Transgenes / genetics
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Up-Regulation
Substances
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Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor
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Cytokines
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Neuroprotective Agents