A new member of the I kappaB protein family, I kappaB epsilon, inhibits RelA (p65)-mediated NF-kappaB transcription

A novel member of the I kappaB family has been identified as a protein that associated with the p50 subunit of NF-kappaB in a yeast two-hybrid screen. Similar to previously known I kappaB proteins, this member, I kappaB epsilon, has six consecutive ankyrin repeats. I kappaB epsilon mRNA is widely expressed in different human tissues, with highest levels in spleen, testis, and lung. I kappaB epsilon interacts with different NF-kappaB proteins, including p65 (RelA), c-Rel, p50, and p52, in vitro and in vivo and inhibits the DNA-binding activity of both p50-p65 and p50-c-Rel complexes effectively. Endogenous and transfected NF-kappaB (RelA-dependent) transcriptional activation is inhibited by I kappaB epsilon. I kappaB epsilon mRNA is expressed at different levels in specific cell types and is synthesized constitutively in transformed B-cell lines. It also displays differential induction in response to tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1, or phorbol ester stimulation compared to I kappaB alpha in non-B-cell lines. Therefore, I kappaB epsilon represents a novel I kappaB family member which provides an alternative mechanism for regulation of NF-kappaB-dependent transcription.

Cell and viral regulatory elements enhance the expression and function of a human immunodeficiency virus inhibitory gene

Regulated expression of recombinant genes in CD4+ cells is an important objective for gene therapy of AIDS, as these cells represent the principal target for viral replication of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). We report here that specific combinations of CD4 cell-specific and viral regulatory elements can enhance expression of an antiviral gene product. Different viral regulatory elements were incorporated into a previously reported CD4 locus control region to increase the expression of reporter genes in T and monocytic cell lines. The CD4-specific regulatory elements were included to enhance expression in CD4 cells, and viral regulatory regions, including the cytomegalovirus immediate-early (CMV IE) upstream enhancer, which contains the kappa B and Ap1 regulatory elements and a Tat-responsive element of the HIV type 1 long terminal repeat, were used to increase gene expression and modulate its activity in response to viral infection. In transient transfection assays, this vector was 100- to 1,000-fold more active than the original CD4 regulatory elements alone. Expression of an inhibitory form of the Rev protein, Rev M10, was more effective than previously described vectors and protected against productive viral replication in CD4+ peripheral blood mononuclear cells. The combination of CD4 lineage-specific and viral regulatory elements will facilitate the development of more effective antiviral genetic strategies for AIDS.

Inhibition of vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation and intimal hyperplasia by gene transfer of beta-interferon

BACKGROUND

Balloon injury of the arterial wall induces increased vascular smooth cell proliferation, enhanced elastic recoil, and abnormalities in thrombosis, each of which contribute to regrowth of intima and the lesion of restenosis. Several gene transfer approaches have been used to inhibit such intimal smooth muscle cell growth. In this report, adenoviral gene transfer of beta-interferon (beta-IFN) was analyzed in a porcine model of balloon injury to determine whether a secreted growth inhibitory protein might affect the regrowth of vascular smooth muscle cells in vitro and in arteries.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An adenoviral vector encoding beta-interferon (ADV-beta-IFN) was prepared and used to infect porcine vascular smooth muscle cells in a porcine balloon injury model. Its antiproliferative effect was analyzed in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

Expression of recombinant porcine beta-IFN in vascular smooth muscle cells reduced cell proliferation significantly in vitro, and supernatants derived from the beta-IFN vector inhibited vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation relative to controls. When introduced into porcine arteries after balloon injury, a reduction in cell proliferation was observed 7 days after gene transfer measured by BrdC incorporation (ADV-delta E1 arteries 14.5 +/- 1.2%, ADV-beta IFN 6.8 +/- 0.8%, p < 0.05, unpaired, two-tailed t-test). The intima-to-media area ratio was also reduced (nontransfected arteries, 0.70 +/- 0.05; ADV-delta E1 infected arteries, 0.69 +/- 0.06; ADV-beta-IFN infected arteries, 0.53 +/- 0.03; p < 0.05, ANOVA with Dunnett t-test). No evidence of organ toxicity was observed, and regrowth of the endothelial cell surface was observed 3-6 weeks after balloon injury.

CONCLUSIONS

Gene transfer of an adenoviral vector encoding beta-IFN into balloon-injured arteries reduced vascular smooth muscle proliferation and intimal formation. Expression of this gene product may have potential application for the treatment of vascular proliferative diseases.

Transfection of human endothelial cells

OBJECTIVE

The introduction of recombinant genes into endothelial cells provides a method to study specific gene products and their effect on cell function. In addition, endothelial cells can be used for implantation into vessels or prosthetic vascular grafts. Because transfection efficiencies in human endothelial cells have been low, it is important to develop improved gene transfer techniques. Therefore, several transfection methods were optimized and transfection efficiencies were determined.

METHODS

Transfection by particle-mediated gene transfer (biolistics) or by cationic liposomes were optimized and compared to calcium phosphate and DEAE-dextran. Transfection efficiency was determined using either a beta-galactosidase or placental alkaline phosphatase reporter gene. The effect of promoter strength was analyzed by transfecting plasmids with either the Rous sarcoma virus (RSV) promoter or cytomegalovirus (CMV) promoter regions.

RESULTS

Optimal conditions for particle-mediated gene transfer utilized gold particles of 1.6 microns diameter, a target distance of 3 cm, helium pressures of 8.96 MPa (1300 psi) and cell confluence of 75%. Transfection with different cationic liposomes demonstrated that one compound, N-(3-aminopropyl)-N,N-dimethyl-2,3-(bis-dodecyloxy)-1-propanimi nium bromide/dioleoyl phosphatidylethanolamine (gamma AP-DLRIE/DOPE), was optimal for gene transfer when 5 micrograms of DNA and 10 to 20 micrograms of lipid was used. With both gold particles and gamma AP-DLRIE/DOPE, the alkaline phosphatase reporter was more efficient than beta-galactosidase using comparable promoters and polyadenylation sites. CMV regulatory elements were more efficient than the RSV promoter in optimizing gene expression. Optimal gene transfer efficiency was 20.28% of cells with gamma AP-DLRIE/DOPE, 3.96% with biolistics, 2.09% with calcium phosphate and 0.88% with DEAE-dextran.

CONCLUSIONS

Gene expression is detectable in a high percentage of human endothelial cells after liposome-mediated transfection when expression is controlled by a strong promoter. Particle-mediated transfection is less efficient under these conditions, but more effective than liposomes when expression is driven by a relatively weak promoter. Calcium phosphate and DEAE-dextran are less useful.

[Gene transfer of interferon beta inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell proliferation in vitro and in animal model of arterial injury]

Vascular hypertrophy may increase the blood pressure by its effect on vascular resistance. In this study, adenoviral gene transfer of IFN-beta was analysed in a porcine model of balloon injury to determine whether a secreted growth inhibitory protein might affect the regrowth of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC) in vitro and in arteries. An adenoviral vector encoding IFN-beta (ADV-IFN-beta) was constructed by homologous recombination between sub360 genomic DNA, an ADV 5 derivative with a deletion in the E3 region and a porcine IFN-beta expression plasmid. Its antiproliferative effect was analysed using cell proliferation assays, and used in a porcine model of balloon injury. After injury, arteries were immediately transfected with 7 x 10(9) plaques forming units of either ADV-IFN-beta or a control E1A deficient adenovirus that does not encode a recombinant protein, ADV-delta E1. The intima/media (I/M) area ratio was determined by quantitative morphometry 21 days after artery injury and gene transfer. Expression of recombinant porcine IFN-beta in VSMC reduced cell proliferation significantly in vitro, and supernatants derived from IFN-beta vector infected cells inhibited VSMC proliferation relative to controls. When introduced into porcine arteries after balloon injury, a reduction in I/M ratio of 30% was found. I/M ratio in the IFN-beta transduced arteries was 0.54 +/- 0.03 vs 0.69 +/- 0.06 in ADV-delta E1 transfected arteries and 0.702 +/- 0.05 in the non-transfected arteries. Gene transfer of an adenoviral vector encoding IFN-beta to VSMC and injured arteries reduced cell proliferation and vascular thickening. This approach is potentially applicable to vascular proliferative diseases.

Inhibition of the alloantibody response by CD95 ligand

We investigated the effect of Fas/APO1-ligand (CD95L) gene transfer on allogeneic immune responses in vivo. A colon carcinoma cell line from BALB/c mice, CT26, was stably transfected with a vector encoding mouse CD95L and was inoculated into C57BL/6 mice. CD95L expression markedly reduced allogeneic cytotoxic T lymphocyte and helper T lymphocyte activity directed toward CT26. Strikingly, expression of CD95L on these allogeneic tumors completely inhibited the generation of alloantibodies of both IgM and IgG subclasses. Thus, CD95L inhibited alloantibody production and conferred localized immune suppression through this mechanism. These results provide insight into the role of CD95L in regulating the alloantibody response and the generation of local immune responses.

[Direct gene transfer in the rat kidney in vivo]

Gene delivery to the kidney has both experimental and therapeutic potential in hypertension, although the delivery methods, distribution of transgene and subsequent inflammatory response have been poorly characterized. In adult male Sprague-Dawley rats (200 g, n = 26), the left iliac artery was catheterized and a small catheter (Microbore Tygon S-54-HL) was advanced to the origin of the left renal artery. Loops were tied transiently around the aorta and below the renal arterial bifurcation. After flushing the kidney, the renal vein was tied and 500 microL of transfection solution was instilled. After 15 min all the loops were released, the catheter was removed and the left iliac artery ligated. Both replication-defective adenovirus (ADV) constructions used were based on an Ad5 derivative with a partial E3 deletion. Virus ADV-chloramphenicol acetyl transferase (CAT) and ADV-human placental alkaline phosphatase (hpAP), 10(8), 3 x 10(8), 10(9) and 10(10) plaques forming units/mL (pfu/mL), were used respectively to compare the degree of transfection (CAT) and to localize the transgene in the kidney (hpAP), 48 h after transfection. Controls were infused with vehicle. ADV-CAT 10(10) pfu/mL induced a gene expression, respectively, 1.4 (NS), 12 (p < 0.001) and 28 (p < 0.001) fold greater than the 10(9), 3 x 10(8) and 10(8) pfu/mL formulations. HpAP staining was located in the juxta-medullary part of the cortex, predominantly in the interstitium. Genetically-modified cells were identified as endothelial cells, mainly in peritubular capillaries but also in efferent arterioles and hilar arteries. Highly efficient gene transfer achieved with ADV-hpAP 10(10) pfu/mL was associated with focal necrosis of the proximal convoluted tubules. No changes were observed with the other viral concentrations. Gene delivery, mediated by a replication-defective ADV, to one rat kidney via the renal artery, induced a dose-dependent gene expression located in endothelial cells in peritubular capillaries. Toxicity was observed only with the highest viral concentration.

In vivo gene delivery to the pulmonary circulation in rats: transgene distribution and vascular inflammatory response

Although gene delivery to the pulmonary circulation has both experimental and therapeutic potential, the delivery methods, distribution of transgene, and subsequent inflammatory response have been poorly characterized to date. To address these issues, we utilized a 0.76-mm OD (outside diameter) end hole catheter inserted into the internal jugular vein of adult Sprague-Dawley rats, directing the tip into a pulmonary capillary wedge position. We then compared infusion of polycationic lipid:DNA complexes to replication-defective adenovirus with respect to magnitude and distribution of transgene expression using either chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) or human placental alkaline phosphatase (hpAP) reporter genes. Both lipid:DNA and adenovirus resulted in detectable transgene expression, though maximum lung CAT activity using lipid (gamma AP-DLRIE/DOPE) was approximately 2% of maximum activity using adenovirus (Ad-CAT). Further characterization of expression after transfection with 10(8) pfu (plaque forming units) of Ad-CAT demonstrated persistence of transgene for at least 14 days (lung CAT activity 27% of maximum). Alkaline phosphatase staining demonstrated that both large and small pulmonary arteries as well as the alveolar wall expressed transgene. Although little inflammatory response was detected in conduit arteries, a predominantly mononuclear cell infiltrate surrounded small pulmonary arteries as well as the alveolar spaces in transfected areas of lung. We conclude that percutaneous catheter-mediated gene delivery to the pulmonary circulation in rats using non-viral and viral vectors is feasible. Although an inflammatory response to first generation replication-defective adenovirus was detected, it appeared to be largely restricted to the distal pulmonary circulation and airspace. This technique should prove useful for investigations requiring overexpression of novel genes in the pulmonary artery wall, and could ultimately be used to develop gene-based therapies for pulmonary vascular diseases.

Inhibition of recombinant human immunodeficiency virus type 1 replication by a site-specific recombinase

Current molecular genetic strategies to inhibit productive human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) replication have involved the generation of gene products which provide intracellular inhibition of essential virally encoded proteins or RNA structures. A molecular strategy to excise proviral DNA from HIV-1-infected cells and render these cells virus free would provide an attractive direct antiviral strategy, providing a mechanism to remove viral genes from infected cells. The potential of such a molecular genetic intervention was examined by using the Cre-loxP recombination system. A recombinant HIV-1 clone, designated HIV(lox), that contains loxP within a nonessential U3 region of the long terminal repeats was synthesized. The loxP motif was maintained during replication of HIV(lox) in CEM cells, as demonstrated by reverse transcriptase PCR analyses of genomic RNA isolated from virions. Two different types of HIV-1-permissive cells, CEM cells and 293 cells expressing the CD4 glycoprotein, were transformed with a Cre expression vector which was shown to encode Cre DNA binding and recombinase activities. HIV(lox) infection of CEM or CD4+ 293 cells expressing Cre resulted in a substantial reduction in virus replication compared to control cells, and evidence for the presence of the expected excision product was found. Site-specific excision of HIV-1 can therefore be achieved by using this model system with acute infection. These studies represent one step toward the development of a novel antiviral strategy for the treatment of AIDS.

Combination gene transfer to potentiate tumor regression

Recent efforts to treat malignancy using gene transfer have met with varying degrees of success. In this paper, we report the results of studies using two recombinant adenoviral vectors to examine the efficacy of combination gene transfer to cause tumor regression in vivo. One of these vectors encodes the murine MHC class I gene, H-2Kb (ADV-Kb), which induces an immune response that stimulates tumor regression. The second vector encodes the human p21 cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor (ADV-p21). This gene product arrests cell cycle progression and prevents proliferation of tumor cells. Both vectors were tested in a murine model in vivo for antitumor effect. As previously shown, a significant reduction of tumor size was observed with each vector. Combination treatment, in which both vectors were administered, resulted in a trend toward a reduced tumor growth greater than with either vector alone. In order to characterize the mechanism of tumor regression, cytolytic T lymphocyte (CTL) assays against the allogeneic molecule, H-2Kb, were performed. Mice treated with ADV-Kb showed specific CTL activity against the H-2Kb molecule, demonstrating that the immune response against the H-2Kb gene product involved in tumor regression was potentiated by expression of the p21 gene which affects cell cycle progression.

Distinct domains of IkappaB-alpha inhibit human immunodeficiency virus type 1 replication through NF-kappaB and Rev

Among the regulators of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) replication is the cellular transcription factor NF-kappaB, whose activity is regulated through inhibition by IkappaB family members. We have shown previously that I kappaB-alpha inhibits HIV type 1 (HIV-1) replication, and unexpectedly, IkappaB-alpha was found both to suppress HIV-1 transcription and to inhibit Rev function. The relative contributions and specificities of these mechanisms to HIV replication were unknown. Here, we report that the region of IkappaB-alpha which blocks Rev function is separable from that required for inhibition of NF-kappaB. Molecular mutagenesis revealed that the N terminus of IkappaB-alpha is required for inhibition of Rev function, whereas mutants lacking the N terminus retained the ability to inhibit NF-kappaB function. Interestingly, the nuclear export sequence of IkappaB-alpha was not required for inhibition of Rev or NF-kappaB function in mammalian transfection assays. Conversely, the C terminus of IkappaB-alpha was not required for the inhibition of Rev, while deletion of this region resulted in a loss of NF-kappaB inhibition. Another IkappaB family member with a distinct amino-terminal sequence, IkappaB-beta, inhibited NF-kappaB but not Rev function. These studies indicate that the inhibition of Rev by IkappaB-alpha is independent of NF-kappaB. Mutants defective in inhibition of either Rev or NF-kappaB retained the ability to inhibit HIV-1 replication, suggesting that both functions may contribute to the inhibition of HIV replication by I kappaB-alpha.

The inhibition of pro-apoptotic ICE-like proteases enhances HIV replication

Accelerated programmed cell death, or apoptosis, contributes to the CD4+ T-cell depletion characteristic of infection by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). It has therefore been proposed that limiting apoptosis may represent a therapeutic modality for HIV infection. We found, however, that T leukemia cells or peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) exposed to HIV-1 underwent enhanced viral replication in the presence of the cell death inhibitor, N-benzyloxycarbonyl-Val-Ala-Asp-fluoromethylketone (z-AVD-fmk). Furthermore, z-VAD-fmk, which targets the pro-apoptotic interleukin-1 beta-converting enzyme (ICE)-like proteases, stimulated endogenous virus production in activated PBMCs derived from HIV-1-infected asymptomatic individuals. These findings suggest that programmed cell death may serve as a beneficial host mechanism to limit HIV spread and that strategies to inhibit it may have deleterious consequences for the infected host.

Distinct domains of adenovirus E1A interact with specific cellular factors to differentially modulate human immunodeficiency virus transcription

Transcription of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) type 1 and other viruses is regulated by the transcription factor NF-kappaB, which interacts with the multifunctional cellular protein p300. p300, originally identified by its ability to bind adenovirus early region 1A (E1A), has also been shown to regulate HIV transcription through its interaction with NF-kappaB. The 13S form of E1A activates HIV gene expression, while the 12S form represses its transcription. In this report, we have investigated whether these divergent effects of E1A are dependent upon common or distinct cellular cofactors, including p300, pRb, and the TATA box-binding protein (TBP). Unlike activation in the absence of E1A, cooperative stimulation of HIV gene expression by 13S E1A and RelA was independent of the ability of E1A to bind p300 but was critically dependent on the E1A CR3 region which associates with TBP. In contrast, inhibition of basal HIV gene expression by the 12S form of E1A was dependent on p300 but not pRb or TBP. Interestingly, mutation of the CR2 region of 12S E1A responsible for pRb binding abolished the repression of HIV transcription stimulated by tumor necrosis factor alpha, suggesting that repression of cytokine-activated transcription involves cofactors different from those used in unstimulated cells. Repression and activation of HIV transcription by different forms of E1A are mediated by distinct sets of cellular cofactors. These findings suggest that E1A has evolved to interact by alternative mechanisms with a transcriptional coactivator and its associated cofactors to differentially modulate cellular and viral gene expression.

Regulation of NF-kappaB by cyclin-dependent kinases associated with the p300 coactivator

The nuclear factor kappaB (NF-kappaB) transcription factor is responsive to specific cytokines and stress and is often activated in association with cell damage and growth arrest in eukaryotes. NF-kappaB is a heterodimeric protein, typically composed of 50- and 65-kilodalton subunits of the Rel family, of which RelA(p65) stimulates transcription of diverse genes. Specific cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) were found to regulate transcriptional activation by NF-kappaB through interactions with the coactivator p300. The transcriptional activation domain of RelA(p65) interacted with an amino-terminal region of p300 distinct from a carboxyl-terminal region of p300 required for binding to the cyclin E-Cdk2 complex. The CDK inhibitor p21 or a dominant negative Cdk2, which inhibited p300-associated cyclin E-Cdk2 activity, stimulated kappaB-dependent gene expression, which was also enhanced by expression of p300 in the presence of p21. The interaction of NF-kappaB and CDKs through the p300 and CBP coactivators provides a mechanism for the coordination of transcriptional activation with cell cycle progression.

Propagation of a human herpesvirus from AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma

BACKGROUND

Although unique DNA sequences related to gammaherpesviruses have been found in Kaposi's sarcoma lesions, it is uncertain whether this DNA encodes a virus that is able to reproduce.

METHODS

We isolated and propagated a filterable agent whose DNA sequences were found to be identical to those of the Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV). We obtained early-passage spindle cells from skin lesions of patients with the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) who had Kaposi's sarcoma and cultured them with cells of the human embryonal-kidney epithelial-cell line 293. We characterized the virus according to its effects on cellular morphology and viral replication and its appearance on electron microscopy.

RESULTS

KSHV was cytotoxic to 293 cells and was detected by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) in infected cells but not uninfected ones. Cytotoxicity and positive PCR signals were consistently maintained with viral titers of 1 million per milliliter, for about 20 serial infections of 293 cells. The viral copy number was relatively low (1 to 10 copies per cell). Viral replication was confirmed by Southern blot analysis of DNA isolated from the enriched nuclear fraction of infected cells and by a semiquantitative PCR using dilutions of the lysates of infected cells to detect the 233-bp viral DNA fragment originally described in association with Kaposi's lesions. Electron microscopy revealed herpesvirus-like particles in about 1 percent of cells from infected cultures, as compared with none in cells from uninfected cultures.

CONCLUSIONS

A herpesvirus with DNA sequences identical to those of KSHV can be propagated from skin lesions of patients with AIDS-associated Kaposi's sarcoma.

Immune response in human melanoma after transfer of an allogeneic class I major histocompatibility complex gene with DNA-liposome complexes

Analysis of the antitumor immune response after gene transfer of a foreign major histocompatibility complex class I protein, HLA-B7, was performed. Ten HLA-B7-negative patients with stage IV melanoma were treated in an effort to stimulate local tumor immunity. Plasmid DNA was detected within treated tumor nodules, and RNA encoding recombinant HLA-B7 or HLA-B7 protein was demonstrated in 9 of 10 patients. T cell migration into treated lesions was observed and tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte reactivity was enhanced in six of seven and two of two patients analyzed, respectively. In contrast, the frequency of cytotoxic T lymphocyte against autologous tumor in circulating peripheral blood lymphocytes was not altered significantly, suggesting that peripheral blood lymphocyte reactivity is not indicative of local tumor responsiveness. Local inhibition of tumor growth was detected after gene transfer in two patients, one of whom showed a partial remission. This patient subsequently received treatment with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes derived from gene-modified tumor, with a complete regression of residual disease. Thus, gene transfer with DNA-liposome complexes encoding an allogeneic major histocompatibility complex protein stimulated local antitumor immune responses that facilitated the generation of effector cells for immunotherapy of cancer.

Differential regulation of NF-kappaB2(p100) processing and control by amino-terminal sequences

Proteolytic degradation of the C-terminal region of NF-(kappa)B precursors to their active DNA binding forms represents an important regulatory step in the activation of NF-(kappa)B. NF-(kappa)B2(p100) is found ubiquitously in the cytoplasm; however, the site and mechanism of processing to p52 have not previously been defined. We show by deletion mapping that processing of NF-(kappa)B2(p100) terminates at alanine 405 to generate p52 and is prevented by specific inhibitors of the multicatalytic proteinase complex. Although the C-terminal I(kappa)B-like domain of NF-(kappa)B2(p100) was constitutively phosphorylated, disruption of this phosphorylation by mutagenesis demonstrated that it was not required as a signal to mediate processing. Mutational analysis further showed that cleavage of NF-(kappa)B2 is not dependent on a specific sequence motif adjacent to alanine 405, the ankyrin repeats, or other C-terminal sequences but is directed by structural determinants amino terminal to the cleavage site, within the Rel homology domain and/or the glycine hinge region. The level of processing of NF-(kappa)B2(p100) was much lower than that of NF-(kappa)B1(p105) and differed from that of I(kappa)B-alpha, suggesting differential control of processing of NF-(kappa)B/I(kappa)B family members.

Mechanisms of tumor-induced immunosuppression: evidence for contact-dependent T cell suppression by monocytes

BACKGROUND

The progressive growth of tumors in mice is accompanied by down-regulation of specific T cell responses. The factors involved in this suppression are not completely understood. Here, we have developed a model to examine the role of host immune effector cells in the inhibition of T cell function. In this model, progressive growth of a colon carcinoma line, CT26, is accompanied by loss of T cell response to alloantigens in both cytolytic and proliferation assays.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The CT26 tumor was inoculated into BALB/c syngeneic mice. Tumor growth, cytolytic T cell responses, lymphocyte proliferation, and flow cytometric analysis was performed in tumor-bearing animals 7 or 28 days after tumor inoculation.

RESULTS

Spleen cells from tumor-bearing mice were found to suppress the proliferative response of spleen cells from normal mice to alloantigens. Examination of the spleen cell population by FACS analysis revealed an increase in the percentage of monocytes as defined by expression of CD11b, the Mac-1 antigen. Removal of the Mac-1-positive cells from the tumor-bearing hosts spleen relieved suppression of the tumor-bearing mouse spleen cell proliferative response to alloantigens, and addition of the Mac-1-positive enriched cells suppressed proliferation of normal T cells in response to alloantigens. Cell contact was required for this inhibition.

CONCLUSIONS

Tumor induction of suppressive monocytes plays an important role in the general immunosuppression noted in animals bearing CT26 tumors. Identification of the mechanisms responsible for this effect and reversal of tumor-induced macrophage suppression may facilitate efforts to develop effective immunotherapy for malignancy.

A new cationic liposome DNA complex enhances the efficiency of arterial gene transfer in vivo

An important goal of gene therapy for cardiovascular diseases and cancer is the development of effective vectors for catheter-based gene delivery. Although adenoviral vectors have proven effective for this purpose in animal models, the ability to achieve comparable gene transfer with nonviral vectors would provide potentially desirable safety and toxicity features for clinical studies. In this report, we describe the use of a new cationic DNA-liposome complex using an improved expression vector and lipid, N-(3-aminopropyl)-N, N-dimethyl-2,3-bis(dodecyloxy)-1-propaniminium bromide/dioleyl phosphatidylethanolamine (GAP-DL-RIE/DOPE) to optimize catheter-mediated gene transfer in porcine arteries. The efficiency of this vector was compared to DNA alone, DNA with a previously described cationic liposome complex, (+/-)-N-(2-hydroxyethyl)-N, N-dimethyl-2,3-bis(tetradecyloxy)-1-propanaminium bromide (DMRIE/DOPE), and a replication-defective adenoviral vector in a porcine artery gene transfer model. When used in optimal ratios, GAP-DL-RIE/DOPE liposomes provided a 15-fold higher level of gene expression in arteries compared to DNA alone or DMRIE/DOPE. Gene expression was observed in intimal and medial cells. However, when compared to adenoviral vectors (10(10) pfu/ml), gene expression following GAP-DLRIE/DOPE transfection was approximately 20-fold lower. Following intravenous injection of GAP-DLRIE/DOPE in mice, biochemical, hematological, and histopathological abnormalities were not observed. Significant improvements in the efficacy of arterial gene expression can be achieved by optimization of transfection condition with DNA-liposome complexes in vivo that may prove useful for arterial gene delivery in cardiovascular diseases and cancer.

Gene transfer approaches to the regulation of vascular cell proliferation

Considerable progress has been made in identifying potential targets for treating vascular proliferative diseases. In this review, we discuss gene transfer approaches to regulating smooth muscle cell proliferation after vascular injury using the cell cycle specific proteins, p21, delta Rb and HSV-tk. Results from these studies suggest that replicating smooth muscle cells and macrophages are inhibited in vivo in several animal models of restenosis, including hyperlipidaemic vessels. Identification of appropriate vascular diseases and improvements in gene delivery and vectors will require careful optimization in order to develop effective molecular therapies for human vascular diseases.

Direct transfer of a foreign MHC gene into human melanoma alters T cell receptor V beta usage by tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes

The direct introduction of foreign genes into tumors shows promise as a therapeutic modality to enhance tumor immunogenicity. Hence, melanoma nodules were directly injected with a vector encoding an allogeneic MHC class I molecule, HLA-B7. Tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TIL) were isolated from cutaneous melanoma biopsies before and after HLA-B7 gene transfer. TIL were expanded in interleukin-2 (IL-2) by standard techniques for approximately 4 weeks, then analyzed for T cell receptor V beta usage by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Prior to gene transfer. TIL V beta usage was found to be highly restricted, the only one to four V beta families being expressed and one or two of these families representing more than 90% of the repertoire. As anticipated, TIL V beta usage varied among patients expressing different HLA types. However, V beta 13 was over-represented in that six of eight patients utilized V beta 13 as a dominant family, regardless of HLA type. Following HLA-B7 gene transfer, TIL V beta usage was markedly altered: (1) V beta families that dominated following gene transfer differed from the V beta families utilized by TIL prior to treatment, and (2) introduction of the HLA-B7 gene resulted in a more diverse repertoire with an increase in the number of V beta families represented. In two patients, TIL were evaluated before treatment and from multiple, distinct melanoma nodules following gene transfer. In these two patients, a comparison was made between TIL V beta profiles obtained after treatment from nodules that had been injected with the HLA-B7 gene or left untreated. Interestingly, the V beta repertoires of TIL from uninjected nodules following gene transfer were similar to that of TIL from injected nodules, rather than pretreatment TIL. These data demonstrate a direct immunological effect of foreign MHC gene transfer into human melanoma, and suggest that local expression of an allogeneic MHC molecule generates systemic alterations in the antitumor immune response.

A cooperative interaction of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 Tax with the p21 cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor activates the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 enhancer

Interactions between the Tax transactivator of human T-cell leukemia virus type 1 (HTLV-1) and a cell cycle regulatory protein have been examined. We report cooperative stimulation of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 gene expression by Tax and a regulator of cell cycle progression, the p21 cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (CKI). This cooperativity results from the effect of p21 on transcriptional coactivation by Tax-induced NF-kappaB. This effect was abrogated by a mutation in Tax which specifically eliminated NF-kappaB induction, was inhibitable by IkappaB-alpha, and was markedly reduced in human immunodeficiency virus reporter plasmids with mutant kappaB sites. These studies demonstrate that transcriptional activation by Tax is influenced by cell cycle regulatory proteins.