Plasmid encoding interleukin-4 in the amelioration of murine collagen-induced arthritis.

Objective: To evaluate the therapeutic effect of the administration of plasmid encoding interleukin-4 (IL-4) via gene-gun delivery and via intradermal injection on collagen-induced arthritis (CIA).

Methods: IL-4 plasmid was administered by gene-gun delivery and intradermal injection to DBA/1 mice immunized with type II collagen (CII). The therapeutic effect on the development of CIA was evaluated clinically with a visual scoring method for arthritis and serologically by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and polymerase chain reaction.