Expression of sTNFR-IgGFc Fusion Gene in Endothelial Cell and its Application in Gene Therapy for Rheumatoid Arthritis
sTNFR-IgGFc融合基因在内皮细胞中的表达及其对小鼠关节炎模型的基因治疗研究

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFalpha) is a pro-inflammatory cytokine, acting as a regulator of inflammation and immunity. TNFalpha plays a critical role in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis. Blocking of TNFa activity suppressed inflammatory tissue damage. In present study, the chimeric gene of soluble TNF receptor and IgG Fc fragment (sTNFR-IgG FC) was cloned into the mammalian cell expression vector pStar. When the plamid pStar/sTNFR-IgGFc-GFP was transfected into endothelial cells, a considerable expression of the sTNFR-IgG Fc fusion protein was detected. Moreover, the product in 100microL expression supernatant could completely antagonize the cytolytic effect of 1ng TNFa on L929 cells, even at 1/64 dilution. Then the plasmid was delivered into CIA-induced rheumatoid arthritis mice by tail vein injection. The expression of sTNFR-IgG Fc was detected in liver by RT-PCR. Animals in treatment group showed reduced symptoms of arthritis and more active. This treatment induced decrease of synovial incrassation and prevented the cartilage destruction of the mice RA model. These results show that tail vein injection is an effective way for gene therapy and sTNFR-IgGFc expression plasmid is potential for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.