Journal
HUMAN GENE THERAPY
Volume 13, Issue 17, Pages 2017-2025Publisher
MARY ANN LIEBERT, INC
DOI: 10.1089/10430340260395875
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Funding
- NIDCR NIH HHS [1R21 DE 14585-01, R21 DE014585] Funding Source: Medline
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We transfected host cells with an antimicrobial peptide/protein-encoding gene as a way to enhance host defense mechanisms against infection. The human beta-defensin 2 (HBD-2) gene was chosen as a model because its protein does not require cell type-specific processing. Using a retroviral vector carrying HBD-2 cDNA, we treated several mouse or human cell lines and primary cell cultures including fibroblasts, salivary gland cells, endothelial cells, and T cells. All transduced cells produced detectable HBD-2. In Escherichia coli gel overlay experiments, secreted HBD-2 from selected cell lines showed potent antimicrobial activity electrophoretically identical to that of purified HBD-2. We then used a mouse model ( nonobese diabetic/severely compromised immunodeficient [NOD/SCID]) to test HBD-2 antimicrobial activities in vivo. HT-1080 cells carrying HBD-2 or control vector were implanted subcutaneously into NOD/SCID mice to allow tumor formation. Escherichia coli was then injected into each tumor mass. Tumors were resected after 16 hr and homogenized for bacterial colony-forming unit analysis. Compared with control tumors, HBD-2-bearing tumors contained only 7.8 +/- 3.3% viable bacteria. On the basis of this demonstration of HBD-2 in vivo antimicrobial activity, enhancement of antibacterial host defense by HBD-2 gene therapy may be feasible.
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