ABSTRACT
Objective To investigate the role of B7/CD28 costimulation pathway blockade with adenovirus-mediated CTLA4-Ig gene in macrophage and CD8~+T cell infiltration and cell apoptosis in murine liver transplantation. Methods Rat pairs were divided into three groups: SD-to-Wistar transplantation control group, CsA-treated group and CTLA4-Ig-treated group. IHC and TUNEL were used to analyze the expression of CTLA4-Ig gene in liver and immune cells infiltrate and cell apoptosis in liver grafts. Pathology was done on all harvested grafts. ResultsCTLA4-Ig gene expression was positive in the donor liver on day 7 after administering adenovirus-mediated CTLA4-Ig gene via vein, and remained positive until day 60 after liver transplantation. Infiltration of immune cells in CTLA4-Ig-treated group was less than that in rejection control group. the apoptotic index of rejection group on day 3,5,7 was significantly higher than those of CTLA4-Ig-treated. Conclusions CTLA4-Ig gene was constantly expressed in the donor liver after single intravenousely injection into rats using adenovirus as vector. Adenovirus-mediated CTLA4-Ig gene therapy can inhibit infiltration of immune cells and apoptosis in grafts, thus prolonging the survival of recipients.