Dihydroartemisinin decreases pre-existing neutralizing antibodies against adeno-associated virus in challenged mice.

ABSTRACT:

Introduction

The high prevalence of pre-existing neutralizing antibodies (NAbs) against adeno-associated virus (AAV) poses a major obstacle to in vivo gene therapy. Current immunosuppressive (IS) strategies, such as corticosteroids, are limited by toxicity and adverse effects. To explore safer alternatives, we evaluated dihydroartemisinin (DHA), a synthetic derivative of artemisinin inspired by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), as a potential IS agent.

Methods

In vivo experiments were conducted by administering DHA at either 30 or 210 days post-injection (PI) of rAAVDJ vectors. Anti-AAV NAb levels, transgene expression, and vector genome biodistribution were assessed. Flow cytometry was used to quantify CD20⁺ B cells, germinal center B cells, and plasma cells in

SUBMITTER: Fang J 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12355050 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature