We previously showed that incorporating target sequences for the hematopoietic-specific microRNA miR-142 into an antigen-encoding transgene prevents antigen expression in antigen-presenting cells (APCs). To determine whether this approach induces immunologic tolerance, we treated mice with a miR-142-regulated lentiviral vector encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP), and subsequently vaccinated the mice against GFP. In contrast to control mice, no anti-GFP response was observed, indicating that robust tolerance to the transgene-encoded antigen was achieved. Furthermore, injection of the miR-142-regulated vector induced a population of GFP-specific regulatory T cells. Interestingly, an anti-GFP response was observed when microRNA miR-122a was inserted into the vector and antigen expression was detargeted from hepatocytes as well as APCs. This demonstrates that, in the context of lentiviral vector-mediated gene transfer, detargeting antigen expression from professional APCs, coupled with expression in hepatocytes, can induce antigen-specific immunologic tolerance. (Blood. 2009; 114: 5152-5161)

In vivo delivery of a microRNA-regulated transgene induces antigen-specific regulatory T cells and promotes immunologic tolerance

Cantore A;NALDINI , LUIGI;RONCAROLO , MARIA GRAZIA
2009-01-01

Abstract

We previously showed that incorporating target sequences for the hematopoietic-specific microRNA miR-142 into an antigen-encoding transgene prevents antigen expression in antigen-presenting cells (APCs). To determine whether this approach induces immunologic tolerance, we treated mice with a miR-142-regulated lentiviral vector encoding green fluorescent protein (GFP), and subsequently vaccinated the mice against GFP. In contrast to control mice, no anti-GFP response was observed, indicating that robust tolerance to the transgene-encoded antigen was achieved. Furthermore, injection of the miR-142-regulated vector induced a population of GFP-specific regulatory T cells. Interestingly, an anti-GFP response was observed when microRNA miR-122a was inserted into the vector and antigen expression was detargeted from hepatocytes as well as APCs. This demonstrates that, in the context of lentiviral vector-mediated gene transfer, detargeting antigen expression from professional APCs, coupled with expression in hepatocytes, can induce antigen-specific immunologic tolerance. (Blood. 2009; 114: 5152-5161)
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Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11768/2887
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