[Expression of hCTLA4-Ig mediated by adeno-associated virus in porcine islets and their biological activity].

Objective To evaluate the expression of hCTLA4-Ig and their biological function in newborn porcine islets (NPIs) transfected with AAV-hCTLA4-Ig. Methods Cultured NPIs were transfected with AAV-hCTLA4-Ig. The expression of CTLA4-Ig in these NPIs was assayed by RT-PCR and immunocytochemistry. The levels of IL-2, IFN- γ, and TNF-α in the culture medium were assayed by ELISA after these cells the co-cultured with human. The response of glucose-stimulated insulin secretion was observed in the transgene group and the control group. Results The expressions of CTLA4-Ig mRNA and protein were detected in the transgene group. The levels of cytokines were obviously lower in the transgene group than those in the control group (P0.01). There was no significant difference in the response of glucose-stimulated insulin release between the transgene group and the control group (P0.05). Conclusion AAV mediated hCTLA4-Ig expression in NPIs could inhibit T lymphocyte to produce cytokines, while the endocrine functions of the NPIs were not significantly affected.