CTLA4Ig基因和CD40Ig基因转染供肾对异种大鼠移植肾存活的影响

目的 探讨细胞毒性T淋巴细胞相关抗原4融合蛋白(CTLA4Ig)基因和CD40Ig基因转染供肾对异种大鼠移植肾存活的影响.方法 以PcDNA3.1质粒为载体,通过脂质体2000将CTLA4Ig基因和CD40Ig基因转染豚鼠肾脏,再移植(异位肾移植)给SD大鼠.实验分4组进行:第1组供肾以PcDNA3.1空载体脂质体复合物转染(空载体组);第2组供肾转染CD40Ig基因(CD40Ig转染组);第3组供肾转染CTLA4Ig基因(CTLA4Ig转染组);第4组供肾同时转染CTLA4Ig基因和CD40Ig基因(双基因转染组).术后观察各组血清肌酐、移植肾组织病理改变以及移植肾存活时间.结果 空载体组、CD40Ig转染组、CTLA4Ig转染组和双基因转染组受者的存活时间分别为(6.8±1.9)d、(40.7±10.9)d、(49.3±9.5)d和(75.7±8.0)d,3个转染组明显长于空载体组(P＜0.01),其中双基因转染组移植肾存活时间最长,与其他3组比较,差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.01).各组术后血清肌酐水平呈上升趋势,但升高幅度以双基因转染组为最低(P＜0.01).术后第30天,CD40Ig转染组和CTLA4Ig转染组存活大鼠的移植肾组织中可见大量淋巴细胞浸润,而双基因转染组的移植肾组织中仅见少量淋巴细胞浸润.结论 供肾局部同时转染CTLA4Ig基因和CD40Ig基因可明显延长其异种移植后的存活时间.     

小剂量环孢素A联用细胞毒T淋巴细胞A4-Ig治疗器官移植排斥反应

目的　研究小剂量环孢素A(CsA)联用细胞毒T淋巴细胞A4 Ig(CTLA4 Ig)治疗器官移植排斥反应的效果。　方法　采用Ono′s方法建立大鼠心脏移植排斥反应动物模型 ,将实验动物分为 4组。A组 :对照组 ,未给予任何治疗 ;B组 :腹腔内注射CsA ,10mg·kg-1·d-1,连续 7d ;C组 :术后第 2天 1次性注射CTLA4 Ig 10 0 μg ;D组 :术后 1～ 7d连续腹腔内注射CsA ,2mg .kg-1.d-1,术后第 2天加用CTLA4 Ig 5 0 μg。观察移植心脏存活天数及术后IL 2含量和组织学变化。　 结果　A、B、C、D 4组大鼠移植心脏存活时间分别为 ( 7 2± 0 7)、( 19 4± 2 1)、( 3 1 6± 1 8)和 ( 2 4 6± 2 1)d ,与对照组相比 ,各治疗组大鼠心脏存活时间明显延长 ,差异有显著性意义 (q =3 2 7 83 ,P <0 0 5 ) ,D组与C组相比差异无显著性意义 (q =1 86,P >0 0 5 ) ;各治疗组术后IL 2含量明显减低 ,与对照组相比差异有非常显著性意义 (q=9 82 ,P <0 0 1) ;A、B、C和D组排斥反应分级分别为Ⅳ、Ⅲ、Ⅰ和Ⅰ级。　结论　CTLA4 Ig抗排斥反应能力比CsA强 ,小剂量CsA联合使用CTLA4 Ig能增强治疗排斥反应疗效 ,两者具有正协同作用。     

共刺激信号阻断剂基因局部转染对大鼠移植肾存活的影响

目的　观察CTLA 4Ig基因局部转染延长移植肾存活的效能。 方法　以CTLA 4Ig基因重组腺病毒为载体 ,将CTLA 4Ig基因转入BN大鼠肾脏。以BN大鼠为供者 ,Lewis大鼠为受者 ,行同种肾移植术。用经CTLA 4Ig基因转染的供肾移植给受者为转染组 ;用未转染CTLA 4Ig基因的供肾移植给受者为对照组。观察移植肾存活时间和术后肾功能变化。结果　转染组移植肾存活 (32± 8.0 )d ,对照组移植肾存活 (8.5± 1.4 )d ,转染组存活时间明显延长 ;转染组术后血清肌酐较同期对照组明显为低。结论　CTLA 4Ig基因局部转染供肾可明显延长移植肾的存活时间。     

CTLA4Ig与CD40Ig双基因局部共转染对异种大鼠移植肾Bcl-2/Bax的影响

目的:探讨CTLA4Ig与CD40Ig双基因局部转染对异种移植肾Bcl-2/Bax的影响,探讨其诱导免疫耐受的机制。方法:以PcDNA3.1(+)-CTLA4Ig和PcDNA3.1(+)-CD40Ig为载体,通过脂质体lipo2000将CTLA4Ig与CD40Ig双基因转入豚鼠肾脏,以豚鼠为供者,SD大鼠为受者,行异种肾移植手术。将豚鼠到SD大鼠的异种肾移植模型分为pcDNA3.1空载体组(第1组)、CD40Ig基因局部转染组(第2组)、CTLA4Ig基因局部转染组(第3组)和CD40Ig、CTLA4Ig双基因局部转染组(第4组)。Western blot检测移植肾HA-CTLA4Ig、HACD40Ig蛋白表达和移植肾Bcl-2、Bax的表达情况,观察移植肾病理改变。结果:术后第5天,第4组移植肾淋巴细胞浸润明显少于第2组和第3组,第4组移植肾Bcl-2蛋白表达明显升高(P0.05),而Bax蛋白表达则显著降低(P0.05)。结论:CTLA4Ig与CD40Ig双基因局部转染供肾可降低Bax表达,上调Bcl-2表达,诱导移植肾免疫耐受。     

睾丸支持细胞与共刺激通路阻断剂对异体移植肾细胞的保护作用

目的　研究表达Fas配体 (FasL)的睾丸支持细胞与共刺激通路阻断剂细胞毒性T细胞相关抗原 4免疫球蛋白 (CTLA 4Ig)对异体移植肾细胞的保护作用 ,以提高移植肾的免疫耐受性。方法　酶消化法制备睾丸支持细胞及肾细胞。取 10 6个细胞混合移植于大鼠肾包膜下 ,实验大鼠分为 3组 :对照组 (10只 )、混合细胞移植组 (混合移植组 ,16只 )、联合CTLA 4Ig组 (CTLA组 ,10只 )。分别于术后 1、7、14、2 0d检测血清白细胞介素 2 (IL 2 )水平变化。术后 2 0d取出移植物 ,以亲和素 生物素 过氧化物酶复合物技术观察肾细胞存活状况 ;MD 2 0图像分析系统测定混合移植物灰度值 ;末端脱氧核糖核酸转移酶介导的X dUTP缺口末端标记 (TUNEL)法观察移植物中凋亡的细胞。　结果对照组无移植物存活 ;混合移植组 14只移植物存活 ,灰度值为 0 36 2± 0 0 17;CTLA组 10只移植物均存活 ,灰度值为 0 4 4 5± 0 0 2 1;混合移植组与CTLA组间灰度值差异有显著意义。术后CTLA组血清IL 2水平较混合移植组低 ,差异有显著意义 ;混合移植物中可见凋亡的淋巴细胞。　结论　异体肾细胞移植中 ,睾丸支持细胞与CTLA 4Ig对移植肾细胞具有协同保护作用。     

CTLA4Ig和西罗莫司短期联合使用延长异种胰岛移植物的存活

目的 观察细胞毒性T淋巴细胞相关抗原4融合蛋白(CTLA4Ig)与西罗莫司(SRL)联用阻断共刺激通路对异种胰岛移植物存活的影响.方法 取C57BL/6小鼠,腹腔注射链佐星,制成糖尿病模型.采用随机单位组设计分组法将糖尿病小鼠分为7组,各组均于小鼠左肾包膜下移植SD大鼠胰岛300胰岛当量.CTLA4Ig组分别于移植当天及移植后第2、4、6天腹腔注射CTLA4Ig 0.5 mg/d;SRL组分别于移植当天及移植后第1、2天给予SRL灌胃,0.2 mg·kg-1·d-1,其后隔天用药1次,共用2周;MRI组分别于移植当天及移植后第2、4天腹腔注射仓鼠抗小鼠CD154单克隆抗体(MR1)0.5 mg/d;CTLA4Ig和SRL联用组(SRL联用组)、CTLA4Ig和MRl联用组(MR1联用组)以及CTLA4Ig、MR1和SRL联用组(三药联用组)各药物的剂量与用法同上述各组;对照组仅行胰岛移植,不予以药物.观察至移植后200 d,通过监测受者血糖水平来判断排斥反应的发生情况.记录各组移植物的存活(即无排斥反应)时间.发生排斥反应者,或未发生排斥反应、移植物存活时间＞200 d者,取移植胰岛,行HE染色及免疫荧光染色,进行组织学观察.结果 对照组移植物存活时间中位数为17 d,该组最终均发生排斥反应.SRL组、MRl组和CTLA4Ig组移植物存活时间中位数分别为34 d、98 d和77 d.均明显长于对照组(P＜0.05),三组中分别有90%(9/10)、62.5%(5/8)和83.3%(5/6)的小鼠发生排斥反应.SRL联用组移植物存活时间中位数为130 d,明显长于上述4组(P＜0.01),有50%(3/6)的小鼠发生排斥反应.MR1联用组以及三药联用组移植物存活时间中位数均＞200 d,分别有42.9%(3/7)和25%(2/8)的小鼠发生排斥反应.组织学检查结果显示,对照组发生排斥反应时,其移植胰岛破坏严重,可见大量CD4+和CD8+淋巴细胞及巨噬细胞浸润,并可见IgG、IgM和补体C3沉积.其它组发生排斥反应者的组织学改变与对照组相似.SRL联用组存活200 d的小鼠,其移植胰岛组织中未见或仅有少量炎症细胞浸润,胰岛素和胰高血糖素染色阳性,未见IgG、IgM和补体C3沉积.结论 短期联合使用CTLA4Ig和SRL能显著延长小鼠体内大鼠来源的胰岛的存活时间.     

骨髓输注联合阻断共刺激通路延长大鼠皮肤移植物的存活时间

目的 探讨骨髓输注联合阻断共刺激通路对大鼠移植皮肤存活的影响及可能机制.方法 以Lewis大鼠为受者,皮肤移植前经尾静脉输注供者(BN大鼠)骨髓细胞2×108 个,并于骨髓输注当天、输注后第2、4、6及8天腹腔注射抗CD25单克隆抗体,同时按照分组要求腹腔注射细胞毒性T淋巴细胞相关抗原4融合蛋白(CTLA4Ig组)、抗CD154单克隆抗体(抗CD154单抗组)以及CTLA4Ig和抗CD154单克隆抗体(联合处理组),于骨髓输注后第8天移植BN大鼠的皮肤.另以仅行皮肤移植者为对照(对照组).观察各组移植物抗宿主病(GVHD)的发生情况、外周血中供者细胞嵌合率、T淋巴细胞凋亡率及移植皮肤的存活时间.结果 各组均未观察到GVHD的发生.骨髓输注后第7天即可在CTLA4Ig组、抗CD154单抗组及联合处理组观察到嵌合现象,至第21天时,嵌合率仍维持于一定水平,联合处理组明显高于其它三组(P＜0.01).骨髓输注后第7及21天,CTLA4Ig组、抗CD154单抗组及联合处理组间两两比较,T淋巴细胞凋亡率的差异无统计学意义,但均显著高于对照组(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).CTLA4Ig组、抗CD154单抗组及联合处理组移植皮肤的存活时间显著长于对照组(P＜0.01),联合处理组移植皮肤存活时间为(16.7±3.1)d,明显长于CTLA4Ig组和抗CD154单抗组(P＜0.05).结论 骨髓输注联合阻断共刺激通路能够延长移植皮肤存活时间,其机理可能与诱导嵌合和T淋巴细胞凋亡有关.     

ICOS-Ig 融合蛋白联合亚剂量环孢素A诱导小鼠移植心脏长期存活

目的 探讨可诱导共刺激分子-Ig融合蛋白(ICOS-Ig)联合亚剂量环孢素A(CsA)对小鼠移植心脏存活时间的影响及其机制.方法 自行构建ICOS-Ig.以Balb/c小鼠为供者,C57BL/6小鼠为受者,套管法制备小鼠颈部心脏移植模型,然后将模型分为5组:(1)未处理组,不做任何处理;(2)对照IgG组,移植当天以及术后第2、4、6天腹腔注射IgG 250 μg;(3)IcoS-Ig组,移植当天以及术后第2、4、6天腹腔注ICOSIg250 μg;(4)CsA组,移植当天以及术后第1～7天腹腔注射CsA 10mg/kg;(5)ICOS-Ig+CsA组,同时给予ICOS-Ig和CsA,使用时间和剂量同前.术后观察移植心脏存活时间,观察移植后第7天移植心脏的病理变化,并进行供、受者混合淋巴细胞反应(MLR),测定受者血清中供者特异性的同种抗体水平.结果 各组小鼠移植心脏存活时间分别为:未处理组(8.5±1.5)d,对照IgG(8.00.8)d,ICOSIg(29.57.7)d.CsA处理组(21.0±5.0)d,ICOS-Ig+CsA组移植心脏存活时间均超过50d,6只(6/9)移植心脏存活时间>100d,ICOS-Ig+CsA组与其他4组比较,差异均有统计学意义(P<0.01).移植后7d,未处理组及对照IgG组心肌明显变性,纤维断裂,间质水肿,肌束间及血管周围有大量炎症细胞浸润,而ICOS-Ig组和CsA组心肌无明显变性,间质略水肿,血管周围有少量淋巴细胞浸润,ICOS-Ig+CsA组的病理改变明显I(X)S-Ig组和CsA组.移植后7d,ICOS-Ig组和CsA组的脾脏淋巴细胞对同种抗原刺激反应比未处理组和对照IgG组明显降低(P<0.05),而ICOS-Ig+CsA组的抑制作用明显强于ICOS-Ig组和CsA组(P<0.05).移植后7d,ICOS-Ig组和CsA组受者血清中针对特异性供者的抗体水平明显低于未处理组和对照IgG组(P<0.05),ICOS-Ig+CsA组的抗体水平明显低于ICOS-Ig组和CsA组(P<0.05).结论 ICOS-Ig可以降低受者对供免疫反应性,延长移植心脏的存活时间,联合亚剂量CsA可使异体移植心脏长期存活.     

基因重组融合蛋白B7-CD28共刺激阻断剂对大鼠移植肾存活的影响

目的观察基因重组融合蛋白B7-CD28共刺激阻断剂CTLA-4Ig对大鼠移植肾存活的影响.方法肾移植术后第2天每只用药组大鼠腹腔内注射CTLA-4Ig0.5mg,观察移植肾存活时间;术后第20天,测定受体对供体及无关大鼠的单向混合淋巴细胞反应(MLR),并观察移植肾病理改变.结果与对照组相比,用药组移植肾存活时间显著延长[(42.6±6.4)d,(8.2±1.2)d,P＜0.001)].术后第20天,用药组移植肾仅有散在淋巴细胞浸润;受体对供体的MLR明显低于正常对照[(5832±674)cpm、(13486±2166)cpm,P＜0.001)],而受体对无关大鼠的MLR与正常对照相比无显著差异(P＞0.05).结论CTLA-4Ig通过诱导受体对供体抗原特异性的免疫反应低下状态明显延长了大鼠移植肾存活时间.     

CTLA4-Ig融合蛋白诱导猕猴同种异体肝移植免疫耐受的实验研究

目的探讨细胞毒性T淋巴细胞相关抗原4(CTLA4-Ig)融合蛋白对同种异体肝脏移植免疫耐受的诱导作用及机理。方法利用大型哺乳动物猕猴作为研究对象,建立同种异体原位肝脏移植模型。同种异体原位肝脏移植对照组及CTLA4-Ig组各5只。观察术后生存时间,检测肝功能、IL-2、IL-10、排斥反应的病理学分级和术后肝脏细胞凋亡指数。结果对照组平均存活时间为6.57 d,CTLA4-Ig组平均存活时间为14.92 d(P0.05)。肝功能变化:对照组术后ALT明显升高,Alb则明显降低;CTLA4-Ig组ALT及Alb均维持于正常稳定水平。细胞因子变化:术后3 d起,对照组循环血中IL-2表达水平相对较高,而CTLA4-Ig组IL-10的表达水平较对照组高。移植物病理排斥反应分级:在移植术后CTLA4-Ig组排斥反应程度明显比对照组轻。对照组术后3 d起肝脏细胞凋亡指数较CTLA4-Ig组明显升高。结论CTLA4-Ig融合蛋白可诱导移植后免疫耐受,延长受体生存时间。细胞因子IL-2或者IL-10可作为监测移植排斥反应或者免疫耐受的实验室指标之一。     

外用环孢素A联合CTLA4Ig延长异体移植鼠耳存活的研究

目的　探讨局部外用环孢素 A(Cs A)联合细胞毒性淋巴细胞相关抗原 4融合蛋白 (CTL A4 Ig)对异体复合组织移植的免疫抑制及诱导免疫耐受的作用。方法　建立吻合血管的同种异体大鼠耳廓移植模型 ,术后在移植耳皮肤表面外涂 Cs A并联合 CTL A4 Ig腹腔注射治疗 ,观察移植物的排斥反应及存活时间 ,检测移植后受体血清白细胞介素 - 2 (IL- 2 )含量变化。结果　对照组平均存活时间为 (7.8± 1.7)天 ;单纯用 Cs A治疗组为 (15 .2± 1.9)天 ,单纯CTL A4 Ig治疗组为 (16 .6± 2 .1)天 ;Cs A +CTL A4 Ig联合治疗组为 (2 8.8± 3.5 )天 ,与其它各组相比均有统计学意义 (P<0 .0 1) ;且联合治疗组的受体血清 IL - 2含量最低 ,尤以第 5、7天为著 ,与其它各组相比有统计学意义 (P<0 .0 1)。结论　局部外用 Cs A联合 CTL A4 Ig能有效抑制异体复合组织移植排斥反应 ,显著延长移植物存活时间。     

负载Ad-CTLA4Ig的未成熟树突状细胞延长大鼠移植肾存活时间的探讨

目的 探讨负载细胞毒性淋巴细胞抗原4免疫球蛋白基因重组腺病毒(Ad-CTLA4Ig)的受者未成熟树突状细胞(DC)对大鼠移植肾存活时间的影响.方法 选择雄性SD大鼠为供者,雄性Wistar大鼠为受者,建立大鼠肾移植模型.将受者随机分为4组,每组12只.制备Ad-CTLA4Ig及受者未成熟DC悬液,37℃混合孵育6 h,于移植前7 d,实验组经腹腔内注射负载Ad-CTLA4Ig的DC悬液;Ad-CTLA4Ig对照组、重组腺病毒空载体(Ad-VG)对照组和生理盐水(NS)对照组分别经腹腔内注射1 ml Ad-CTLA4Ig、Ad-VG和NS.观察各组移植肾的存活时间、组织形态学改变、受者血液中腺病毒中和抗体滴度、血清CTLA4Ig水平及混合淋巴细胞反应(MLR)的变化.结果 实验组移植肾存活时间为(94.6±9.0)d,较各对照组显著延长:[Ad-CTLA4Ig对照组为(39.6±10.6)d,Ad-VG对照组为(8.6±2.8)d,NS对照组为(8.4±2.6)d],差异均有统计学意义(P＜0.01),实验组移植肾组织损伤程度较轻,血液中腺病毒中和抗体滴度及混合淋巴细胞反应指数均较各对照组显著减少;实验组血清CTLA4Ig水平较Ad-CTFLA4Ig对照组显著升高.结论 负载Ad-CTLA4Ig的受者未成熟DC可减少腺病毒中和抗体,维持CTLA4Ig的稳定表达,从而延长大鼠移植肾的存活时间.     

1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 shows strong and additive immunomodulatory effects with cyclosporine A in rat renal allotransplants.

BACKGROUND: Vitamin D3 and its metabolites have long been found to exert immunosuppressive effects both in vivo and in vitro. The present study investigated the effect of 1alpha,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (1,25DHC) on vascularized renal allografts in rats. METHODS: Three days prior to transplantation, two groups of animals were subjected to 1,25DHC (1 microg/kg/day IP) and a low calcium diet, which was continued until the end of the experiments. Recipient organs were removed and single allografts were transplanted in a high responder strain combination (ACI --> Lewis). Following transplantation, low-dose cyclosporine A (3.2 mg/kg/day CsA) administration was started in two experimental groups of recipients (one group receiving 1,25 DHC additionally) whereas the control allograft recipients received no immunosuppression (control III). Graft survival and renal function was monitored until death or the end of experiments and allograft rejection was assessed histologically using the Banff classification. RESULTS: 1,25DHC significantly prolonged allograft survival in comparison to control III (9.6 +/- 1 vs. 5.7 +/- 0.2 days; P=0.009). In addition, a combination of 1,25DHC and low-dose CsA increased allograft survival compared to CsA administration alone (24 +/- 0.9 vs. 13 +/- 0.3 days; P=0.008). 1,25DHC preserved renal creatinine clearance and decreased proteinuria in comparison to control III, and the combination of 1,25DHC and low-dose CsA again showed an additive effect on preservation of renal function. 1,25DHC and low-dose CsA both decreased interleukin (IL)-2 and IL-12 expression levels in serum and allografts, and a combination treatment produced the strongest attenuation of IL-2 and IL-12 expression. In addition, 1,25DHC increased IL-4 and IL-10 expression levels in allografts, whereas CsA alone did not alter IL-4 and IL-10 expression. In contrast, combination of 1,25DHC and low-dose CsA showed a significant increase in IL-10 expression levels whereas IL-4 expression was not elevated. CONCLUSION: Monotherapy with 1,25DHC significantly prolongs survival of renal allografts and preserves graft function in rats. A combination of 1,25DHC and CsA caused an additive effect on graft survival with differential regulation of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines, as compared to 1,25DHC administration alone.     

Feasibility of immunosuppression in composite tissue allografts by systemic administration of CTLA4Ig

BACKGROUND: Although recent experimental studies have demonstrated CTLA4Ig to be a potent immunosuppressant in vascularized solid organ allografts, little attention has been given to the effect of this soluble recombinant fusion protein on immunosuppression in composite tissue allografts (CTAs). Using a rat hind limb allograft model, we examined the efficacy of CTLA4Ig against the allograft rejection of composite tissue. METHODS: The hind limbs of ACI rats (RT1a) were heterotopically transplanted to Lewis rats (RT11). Controls received no immunotherapy. Experimental recipients were treated with a single i.p. injection of either human immunoglobulin (Ig)G (0.5 mg/body) or CTLA4Ig (0.5 mg/body) according to different time schedules. Graft survival time and histopathological changes for each experimental group were evaluated and statistically compared. RESULTS: Graft survival times were prolonged significantly in rats treated with CTLA4Ig on day 1 and day 2 after transplantation, compared with survival times of controls. In particular, the most significant prolongation was found in rats treated on day 2. At 7 days after transplantation, moderate-to-severe histological rejection occurred in all tissues in control rats. On the other hand, in rats treated with CTLA4Ig, all tissues showed significantly better preservation. Among these treated rats, the rats treated on day 2 showed excellent histopathological conditions in each tissue. CONCLUSIONS: This study supports the feasibility of using CTLA4Ig for preventing acute rejection in CTA. On the basis of the current results, the administration of CTLA4Ig for CTA is more effective at 24-48 hr after transplantation, after the initial immune response has been allowed to begin.     

Adenovirus-mediated CTLA4 immunoglobulin G gene therapy in cardiac xenotransplantation

BACKGROUND: CTLA4 immunoglobulin (CTLA4 Ig), which binds with high affinity to B7-1 and B7-2, interrupts T-cell activation by inhibiting the costimulatory signal. CTLA4Ig has been used to achieve antigen-specific tolerance induction in cardiac allografts. On the other hand, we have shown that short-term administration of deoxyspergualin (DSG) and daily cyclosporine (CsA) induces long-term survival of cardiac xenotransplants. We hypothesized that the combination therapy of DSG and adenovirus-mediated CTLA4IgG might induce long-term, survival or tolerance in cardiac xenotransplantation. OBJECTIVES: Syrian hamster hearts were transplanted heterotopically into Lewis rats. We compared the survival time and immunopathology of the following five groups: (1) no treatment; (2) DSG (5 mg/kg per day intramuscularly [IM], days -1 to +7) alone; (3) CsA (15 mg/kg per day IM, day 0 to rejection) plus DSG; (4) AdexLacZ (LacZ-adenovirus 1 x 10(9) (PFU intravenously [IV], day -7) plus DSG; and (5) AdexCTLA4IgG (CTLA4IgG-adenovirus 1 x 10(9) PFU IV, day -7) plus DSG. RESULTS: The survival times were: (1) no treatment, 3.7 days; (2) DSG alone, 12.4 days; (3) CyA plus DSG, >100 days; (4) AdexLacZ plus DSG, 11.0 days; and (5) AdexCTLA4IgG plus DSG, 23.6 days. Adenovirus-mediated CTLA4IgG therapy with DSG prolonged survival time significantly compared with DSG alone or AdexLacZ plus DSG, but CTLA4IgG therapy was not as effective as CsA. Immunopathology showed the deposition of C3 and IgM on the endothelium in the AdexCTLA4IgG plus DSG group. CONCLUSIONS: We showed that the effectiveness of adenovirus-mediated CTLA4IgG gene therapy in cardiac xenotransplantation in less than that of CsA. Combination therapy with inhibition of the B7/CD28 constimulatory signal and DSG administration might not be sufficient for long-term survival or tolerance in cardiac xenotransplantation.     

The mechanism of synergistic interaction between anti-interleukin 2 receptor monoclonal antibody and cyclosporine therapy in rat recipients of organ allografts

Untreated anephric LEW rats die ca. 9 days following transplantation of LBNF1 kidney allografts. Although treatment with ART-18, a mouse antirat IL-2R mAb (300 micrograms/kg/day x 10 days), prolonged graft survival to ca. 3 weeks, the severely impaired renal function was comparable to untreated controls (creatinine levels 3-5 mg/dl). In contrast, simultaneous infusion of ART-18 and a very low dose of CsA (0.75 mg/kg x 10 days), marginally effective on its own, resulted in survival of greater than 45 days; the grafts exhibited relatively good function comparable to that in rats treated with full-dose (15 mg/kg/day) CsA. This beneficial biological effect did not depend upon elevated CsA trough levels in animals conditioned with both modalities. The CD4:CD8 ratio at the graft site was lowest (0.3-0.4) in recipients treated with ART-18 + CsA. Synergy between the two agents has been demonstrated by adoptive transfer studies in which nonspecific suppression has been conferred selectively by cells infiltrating kidney grafts in rats given ART-18 and CsA in concert but not separately (LBNF1 and WF test cardiac allograft survival ca. 12 days). In contrast, suppression in the recipient spleens was donor-specific; both CD4 and CD8 cells prolonged test graft survival. Immunohistological evaluation of renal allografts revealed that therapy with ART-18 or low-dose CsA alone failed to deplete IL-2R+ cells and prevent production of IL-2, IFN-g, and TNF. In contrast, the frequency of infiltrating IL-2R+ cells and elaboration of endogenous cytokines in non-uremic hosts receiving combination therapy was greatly depressed, stressing again synergistic interaction between ART-18 and CsA. Additionally, markedly reduced class II antigen induction, XL-fibrin deposition, and glomerulitis may also contribute to prolonged survival and satisfactory function of kidney allografts in this animal group.     

Prevention of Acute Lung Allograft Rejection in Rat by CTLA4Ig

CTLA4 immunoglobulin (CTLA4Ig), which binds with a high affinity to B7-1 and B7-2, interrupts T-cell activation by inhibiting costimulatory signal. CTLA4Ig has been used in hopes of achieving antigen-specific tolerance induction in several solid organ transplants. In lung allograft rejection, however, its use has been controversial in terms of its effect on prevention of rejection. In the present study, the effect of murine CTLA4Ig on rat-lung allograft rejection was investigated. Rat left-lung transplantation was performed in an RT1 incompatible donor (Brown Norway; BN)-recipient (F344) combination. All allografts (n = 12) without any treatment were rejected within 7 days after transplantation. A single injection of murine form CTLA41g at a dose of 100 microg intraperitoneally (ip) or intravenously (iv) on day 1 post-transplantation achieved long-term graft survival (>90days) in 2/5 (40%) and 3/8 (38%), respectively. Moreover, 6/7 (86%) allografts in rats that received iv injection of 500 microg CTLA4Ig survived more than 90days. Allograft survival in the CTLA4Ig 500 microg iv recipient group was significantly longer than that in the no-treatment control or control immunoglobulin group (p <0.01). Four out of seven recipients bearing functional allografts for more than 90 days with the CTLA4Ig treatment accepted donor-specific skin grafts, whereas all third-party skin grafts (n=3) were rejected. Prevention of rat-lung allograft rejection could be achieved by intravenous administration of CTLA4Ig, resulting in long-term allograft survival with acceptance of donor-specific skin grafts.     

Experimental study of sertoli cell and CTLA-4Ig's induction of immune tolerance of allogeneic renal cell

OBJECTIVE: To study the protective role of Sertoli cell expressing FasL and CTLA-4Ig on allogeneic renal cell. METHODS: Testicular Sertoli cell and renal cell were prepared by digestion with enzymes. About 106 cells were injected into the subrenal capsule of allogeneic rats. 36 rats were divided into 3 groups: control group (10), co-transplantation group (16) and co-transplantation collaborated with CTLA-4Ig group (CTLA group, 10). Levels of serum IL-2 were tested on the 1st, 7th, 14th, 20th day after transplantation. The kidney was extracted on the 20th day. The survival of renal cells was determined by the Avidin Biotin Peroxidase Complex Technique (ABC); the brightness of grafts was measured by MD-20 image analysis system. Apoptosis within the grafts was observed with Terminal Deoxynucleotidyl Transferase-mediated X-dUTP Nick end Labeling (TUNEL) method. RESULTS: The survival of renal cells in control group, co-transplantation group and CTLA group was 0, 14 and 10 respectively; The brightness values of co-transplantation group and CTLA group were 0.362 +/- 0.017 and 0.445 +/- 0.021, and the statistic differences between them were significant. Levels of serum IL-2 in CTLA group were lower compared with co-transplantation group, there being significant differences as well; Apoptosis of lymphocyte was observed within the grafts. CONCLUSIONS: Sertoli cell and CTLA-4Ig have coordinative protective effect on allogeneic renal cell.