A TRUNCATED INTERLEUKIN-1 RECEPTOR GENE FOR THE TREATMENT OF ARTHRITIS.

摘要

The subject invention concerns a method of using in vivo a gene encoding an extracellular interleukin-1 binding domain of an interleukin-1 receptor that is capable of binding to and neutralizing interleukin-1 which includes employing recombinant techniques to produce a cell line under the control of a suitable eukaryotic promoter having the gene coding for the extracellular interleukin-1 binding domain of the interleukin-1 receptor; and initiating transfection of DNA of the gene by introducing viral particles obtained from the cell line directly into synovial cells lining a joint space of a mammalian host. Alternatively, synovial cells from the patient's joint may be transduced with the retroviral vector carrying the therapeutic gene and a selectable marker for selection of only transduced cells, and the now therapeutic autologous cells may be introduced back into the joint by transplantation. Additionally, a method of preparing a gene encoding an extracellular interleukin-1 receptor binding domain of an interleukin-1 that is capable of binding to and neutralizing interleukin-1 is disclosed. A compound for parenteral administration to a patient in prophylactically or therapeutically effective amounts containing the gene of the invention and a suitable pharmaceutical carrier is also provided.