Synergic Effects of CD40 and CD86 Silencing in Dendritic Cells on the Control of Allergic Diseases

• Published in: International archives of allergy and immunology Vol. 177; no. 2; p. 87
• Main Authors: Suzuki, Motohiko, Yokota, Makoto, Matsumoto, Tamami, Ozaki, Shinya
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Switzerland 01.01.2018
• Subjects: CD86; Prevention; Allergy; CD40; siRNA; Dendritic cells
• ISSN: 1423-0097
• DOI: 10.1159/000489862

We previously reported that siRNA-induced CD40-silenced dendritic cells (DCs) inhibit allergic responses and symptoms. However, more potent therapies are needed. To our knowledge, synergic effects of gene silencing in DCs by ≥2 siRNAs have not been reported to control allergic diseases. Therefore, we investigated the synergistic effects of the silencing of CD40 and CD86 in DCs on allergic responses. Mice were treated with CD40/CD86-silenced DCs, which were transfected with CD40/CD86 siRNAs and pulsed with ovalbumin (OVA) antigen. The effects of these DCs on allergic symptoms and allergic responses were estimated. The administration of CD40/CD86-silenced OVA-pulsed DCs significantly inhibited the number of sneezes and nasal rubbing movements, the number of eosinophils in the nasal mucosa, and the level of OVA-specific IgE when compared with those for CD40- or CD86-silenced OVA-pulsed DCs alone (p < 0.01). These inhibitory effects were detected before sensitization as well as after the establishment of allergic rhinitis. CD40/CD86-silenced OVA-pulsed DCs did not inhibit KLH-induced allergies. Foxp3 gene expression was significantly upregulated in CD40-silenced DCs compared to in CD86-silenced DCs (p < 0.01). IL-4 production by T cells was suppressed more substantially when using CD86-silenced DCs than with CD40-silenced DCs (p < 0.01). These results indicate, for the first time, that siRNA-induced CD40/CD86-silenced antigen-specific DCs have greater inhibitory effects against allergic responses than those of CD40- or CD86-silenced antigen-specific DCs alone. This study also suggests that the synergic effects of gene silencing in DCs by ≥2 siRNAs are useful for the control of allergic diseases. Thus, owing to the synergistic effects, CD40 and CD86 silencing has the potential to substantially improve the treatment of allergic diseases.