Transgenic α-1-antitrypsin secreted into the bloodstream from salivary glands is biologically active.

OBJECTIVES

Salivary glands are potentially a valuable target for gene therapeutics. Herein, we examined the expression and biochemical activity of human alpha-1-antitrypsin (hA1AT) produced in rodent submandibular glands after gene transfer.

METHODS

A serotype 5 adenoviral vector (Ad.hA1AT) was constructed and first characterized by dose response and time course studies using SMIE cells in vitro. hA1AT expression was analysed by ELISA and the biologic activity determined by the inhibition of human neutrophil elastase (hNE) and formation of hA1AT-hNE complexes. Ad.hA1AT was administered to submandibular glands of rats and mice. The levels and activity of hA1AT were analysed in saliva, serum and gland extracts. Treatment with endoglycosidase H and Peptide N-Glycosidase F was used to assess N-linked glycosylation.

RESULTS

Transgenic hA1AT, expressed in submandibular glands following Ad.hA1AT administration, was secreted into the bloodstream, N-glycosylated and biochemically active.

CONCLUSION

After in vivo gene transfer, rodent salivary glands can produce a non-hormonal, transgenic, secretory glycoprotein exhibiting complex and conformation-dependent biologic activity.