Application of IL-4 transgene expression in a chondrocyte based 3D modell of inflammatory arthritis

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Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent form of arthritis, with an unclear pathology believed to stem from mechanical and biological disruptions in joint tissue balance. Despite its long history, a complete cure remains elusive, often resulting in joint replacement for chronic cases. Gene therapy has emerged as a potential alternative to conventional treatments. The development of gene-based therapies for OA and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) in both humans and animals presents an intriguing challenge. A deeper understanding of disease mechanisms has led to the introduction of therapeutic genes. In this context, IL-4 was evaluated for its anti-inflammatory effects in an in vitro model of inflammatory arthritis using chondrocytes. This study's findings established a foundation for validating constructs with cytokine-responsive “intelligent” promoters developed in this lab. The results indicated that IL-4 expression is intricately regulated and activated only in inflammatory conditions. Consequently, integrating these cell culture systems with regulated transgene delivery (such as IL-4 and other candidate genes) will enhance the development and testing of innovative gene therapy approaches for OA and RA.