Recombinant GABAergic Cells as a Therapy for Chronic Neuropathic Pain
Abstract
The main focus of the project is a development of recombinant cell-based therapy for chronic pain. Scope: The reduction in the GABA signaling and its relation to the development of chronic pain has been described after spinal cord and peripheral nerve injuries. Transplantation of GABAergic neuronal cells may restore the inhibitory potential in the spinal cord and replace dysfunctional interneurons. Grafted cells may also release additional analgesic peptides by means of genetic engineering to further enhance the benefits of this approach. Conopeptides are ideal candidates for recombinant expression using cell based strategies. The goal of the project is to develop transplantable recombinant GABAergic cells releasing MVIIA that can alleviate pain-like behavior in models of neuropathic pain after peripheral and spinal cord injury. Major findings: We have engineered and characterized the GABAergic progenitors expressing MVIIA. Recombinant and nonrecombinant cells were intra spinally injected into animals in the models of peripheral nerve injury and spinal cord injury. We have observed beneficial effects of the grafted cells in reducing hypersensitivity in all grafted animals, especially in the recombinant group. Injection of MVIIA antibody reduces the analgesic effect of the recombinant graft. The level of pain-related cytokines was reduced in the grafted animals and correlation between these pain markers and actual behavior was detected.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 2021
- Accession Number
- AD1138283
Entities
People
- Stanislava Jergová
Organizations
- University of Miami