Therapeutic effect of recombinant vaccinia virus expressing the 60-kd heat-shock protein on adjuvant arthritis.

To analyze the effects of recombinant viruses for 2 heat-shock proteins in the treatment of adjuvant arthritis. Virus vaccinia recombinant for mycobacterial heat-shock protein 65 (hsp65-VV) and human hsp60 (hsp60-VV) were administered to rats during different stages of adjuvant arthritis. Arthritis score and immunity to the recombinant virus were analyzed. When delivered at the pre-arthritis stage, both constructs ameliorated arthritis; greater protection was observed with hsp60-VV. A specific T cell response to the recombinant proteins was detected. Furthermore, hsp60-VV displayed a clear therapeutic effect on established arthritis. Our results suggest novel avenues of therapeutic intervention in autoimmune arthritis associated with immunity to hsp60.