In situ protection against islet allograft rejection by CTLA4Ig transduction

Abstract

Background. Immunosuppression focused at or near the graft site would reduce the need for systemic immunosuppression thus educing fewer side effects. We investigated whether locally produced CTLA4Ig, mediated by adenovirus (Adv) transduction of mouse islets, would protect allografts and whether such immunosuppression would remain localized. Methods. Adv-CTLA4Ig- or Adv-control-transduced islets were grafted under the kidney capsule of fully allogeneic diabetic mice. CTLA4Ig secreted from the grafted islets was detected by enzyme immunoassay of blood or immunohistochemistry of graft sections. Graft survival was monitored by blood glucose measurement. Histologic scores of graft sections staine..