THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF RECOMBINANT VACCINIA VIRUS EXPRESSING THE 60-KDHEAT-SHOCK PROTEIN ON ADJUVANT ARTHRITIS

Objective. To analyze the effects of recombinant viruses for 2 heat-sh ock proteins in the treatment of adjuvant arthritis. Methods. Virus va ccinia recombinant for mycobacterial heat-shock protein 65 (hsp65-VV) and human hsp60 (hsp60-VV) were administered to rats during different stages of adjuvant arthritis. Arthritis score and immunity to the reco mbinant virus were analyzed. Results. When delivered at the pre-arthri tis stage, both constructs ameliorated arthritis; greater protection w as observed with hsp60-VV. A specific T cell response to the recombina nt proteins was detected. Furthermore, hsp60-VV displayed a clear ther apeutic effect on established arthritis. Conclusion. Our results sugge st novel avenues of therapeutic intervention in autoimmune arthritis a ssociated with immunity to hsp60.