Prolongation of porcine islet xenograft survival in mice after therapy with immunosuppressive peptides.

Background: Recently, peptides derived from the heavy chain of HLA-B2702 have been shown to modulate immune responses. In this study, we examined the use of these peptides for immunosuppression in a pig to mouse islet xenograft model.

Methods: Purified porcine islets were transplanted in autoimmune (non-obese diabetic) and non-autoimmune (streptozotocin-injected CBA or C57/Bl6) diabetic mice. Various dosing regimens of HLA-derived peptides with and without antilymphocyte therapy were administered to recipient mice. Graft rejection was determined by daily serum glucose determinations, and, at selected time points, grafts were removed to demonstrate function and provide immunohistochemical examination.

Results: HLA-derived peptides were demonstrated to prolong graft survival in both pretransplant and posttransplant treatment regimens. This effect was increased with concomitant antilymphocyte therapy.

Conclusions: Further elucidation of the mechanism of action of these immunomodulatory peptides may help in the development of novel immunosuppressive protocols.