SCLEROSTIN VACCINATION PREVENTS OESTROGEN LOSS-INDUCED OSTEOPOROSIS

Sclerostin (SOST) is an endogenous inhibitor of Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway to impair osteogenic differentiation and bone anabolism. SOST immunotherapy like monoclonal antibody has been observed to control bone remodeling and regeneration. This study is aimed to develop a SOST vaccine and test its protective effects on estrogen deficiency-induced bone loss in mice. Gene sequences coded SOST peptide putative targeting Wnt co-receptor LRP5 were cloned and constructed into vectors expressing Fc fragment to produced SOST-Fc fusion protein. Mice were subcutaneously injected SOST-Fc to boost anti-SOST antibody. Bone mineral density, microstructure, and mechanical property were quantified using μCT scanning and material testing system. Serum bone formation and resorption markers and anti-SOST levels were measured using ELISA. SOST-Fc injections significantly increased serum anti-SOST antibody levels but reduced serum SOST concentrations. SOST-Fc vaccination significantly reduced estrogen deficiency-induced ...