Targeted interleukin-10 plasmid DNA therapy in the treatment of osteoarthritis: Toxicology and pain efficacy assessments
BRAIN BEHAVIOR AND IMMUNITY
Authors: Watkins, Linda R.; Chavez, Raymond A.; Landry, Robert; Fry, Megan; Green-Fulgham, Suzanne M.; Coulson, Jonathan D.; Collins, Stephen D.; Glover, David K.; Rieger, Jayson; Forsayeth, John R.
Abstract
Osteoarthritis results in chronic pain and loss of function. Proinflammatory cytokines create both osteoarthritis pathology and pain. Current treatments are poorly effective, have significant side effects, and have not targeted the cytokines central to osteoarthritis development and maintenance. Interleukin-10 is an anti-inflammatory cytokine that potently and broadly suppresses proinflammatory cytokine activity. However, interleukin-10 protein has a short half-life in vivo and poor joint permeability. For sustained IL-10 activity, we developed a plasmid DNA-based therapy that expresses a long-acting human interleukin-10 variant (hIL-10var). Here, we describe the 6-month GLP toxicology study of this therapy. Intra-articular injections of hIL-10var pDNA into canine stifle joints up to 1.5 mg bilaterally were well-tolerated and without pathologic findings. This represents the first long-term toxicologic assessment of intra-articular pDNA therapy. We also report results of a small double-blind, placebo-controlled study of the effect of intra-articular hIL-10var pDNA on pain measures in companion (pet) dogs with naturally occurring osteoarthritis. This human IL-10-based targeted therapy reduced pain measures in the dogs, based on veterinary and owner ratings, without any adverse findings. These results with hIL-10var pDNA therapy, well-tolerated and without toxicologic effects, establish the basis for clinical trials of a new class of safe and effective therapies for OA.
Altered bioenergetics and mitochondrial dysfunction of monocytes in patients with COVID-19 pneumonia
EMBO MOLECULAR MEDICINE
Authors: Gibellini, Lara; De Biasi, Sara; Paolini, Annamaria; Borella, Rebecca; Boraldi, Federica; Mattioli, Marco; Lo Tartaro, Domenico; Fidanza, Lucia; Caro-Maldonado, Alfredo; Meschiari, Marianna; Iadisernia, Vittorio; Bacca, Erica; Riva, Giovanni; Cicchetti, Luca; Quaglino, Daniela; Guaraldi, Giovanni; Busani, Stefano; Girardis, Massimo; Mussini, Cristina; Cossarizza, Andrea
Abstract
In patients infected by SARS-CoV-2 who experience an exaggerated inflammation leading to pneumonia, monocytes likely play a major role but have received poor attention. Thus, we analyzed peripheral blood monocytes from patients with COVID-19 pneumonia and found that these cells show signs of altered bioenergetics and mitochondrial dysfunction, had a reduced basal and maximal respiration, reduced spare respiratory capacity, and decreased proton leak. Basal extracellular acidification rate was also diminished, suggesting reduced capability to perform aerobic glycolysis. Although COVID-19 monocytes had a reduced ability to perform oxidative burst, they were still capable of producing TNF and IFN-gamma in vitro. A significantly high amount of monocytes had depolarized mitochondria and abnormal mitochondrial ultrastructure. A redistribution of monocyte subsets, with a significant expansion of intermediate/pro-inflammatory cells, and high amounts of immature monocytes were found, along with a concomitant compression of classical monocytes, and an increased expression of inhibitory checkpoints like PD-1/PD-L1. High plasma levels of several inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, including GM-CSF, IL-18, CCL2, CXCL10, and osteopontin, finally confirm the importance of monocytes in COVID-19 immunopathogenesis.