Title:AAV-mediated Overexpression of IL-10 Mitigates the Inflammatory Cascade in Stimulated Equine Chondrocyte Pellets
VOLUME: 18 ISSUE: 3
Author(s):Kyla F. Ortved*, Laila Begum, Darko Stefanovski and Alan J. Nixon
Affiliation:Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853, Department of Clinical Studies, New Bolton Center, University of Pennsylvania, Kennett Square, PA 19348, Department of Clinical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY 14853
Keywords:Osteoarthritis, Gene therapy, AAV, IL-10, Immunomodulation, Chondrocyte pellets, Cytokine.
Abstract:Background: Following joint trauma, a posttraumatic inflammatory cascade drives degeneration
of the joint. We aimed to assess whether transduction of chondrocytes with AAV5 overexpressing
the immunomodulatory cytokine IL-10 would have protective effects in pellet cultures stimulated
with IL-1β.
Methods: Chondrocytes were isolated from 3 healthy horses and were transduced with AAV5-IL-10
at a dose of 1 x 105vg/cell. Chondrocyte pellets were formed by centrifugation and were stimulated
with IL-1β starting 48 hours following transduction. After 2, 6 and 14 days in culture, supernatants
were collected for cytokine analysis and RNA was isolated from cells for gene expression analysis.
Pellets were also collected for biochemical analysis.
Results: Transduction of chondrocytes led to significant increases in IL-10 expression. IL-10 expression
was further enhanced by IL-1β stimulation. IL-10 overexpression led to significantly decreased
expression of IL-1β and ADAMTS4. PGE2 synthesis was also significantly decreased. IL-1β mediated
suppression of GAG synthesis was not rescued by IL-10.
Conclusions: Overexpression of IL-10 modulates the inflammatory response in chondrocytes, which
may mitigate some of the deleterious effects of pro-inflammatory cascades in the posttraumatic joint.
AAV5-IL-10 led to efficient and sustained overexpression of IL-10 in chondrocytes and could represent
a viable treatment option for preventing osteoarthritis.
