Characterisation of a novel Fc conjugate of macrophage colony-stimulating factor

Mol Ther. 2014 Sep;22(9):1580-92. doi: 10.1038/mt.2014.112. Epub 2014 Jun 25.

Abstract

We have produced an Fc conjugate of colony-stimulating factor (CSF) 1 with an improved circulating half-life. CSF1-Fc retained its macrophage growth-promoting activity, and did not induce proinflammatory cytokines in vitro. Treatment with CSF1-Fc did not produce adverse effects in mice or pigs. The impact of CSF1-Fc was examined using the Csf1r-enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) reporter gene in MacGreen mice. Administration of CSF1-Fc to mice drove extensive infiltration of all tissues by Csf1r-EGFP positive macrophages. The main consequence was hepatosplenomegaly, associated with proliferation of hepatocytes. Expression profiles of the liver indicated that infiltrating macrophages produced candidate mediators of hepatocyte proliferation including urokinase, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukin 6. CSF1-Fc also promoted osteoclastogenesis and produced pleiotropic effects on other organ systems, notably the testis, where CSF1-dependent macrophages have been implicated in homeostasis. However, it did not affect other putative CSF1 targets, notably intestine, where Paneth cell numbers and villus architecture were unchanged. CSF1 has therapeutic potential in regenerative medicine in multiple organs. We suggest that the CSF1-Fc conjugate retains this potential, and may permit daily delivery by injection rather than continuous infusion required for the core molecule.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • CHO Cells
  • Cell Proliferation
  • Cricetulus
  • Female
  • Gene Expression Regulation / drug effects
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Half-Life
  • Hepatocytes / metabolism*
  • Hepatomegaly / chemically induced*
  • Humans
  • Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments / metabolism*
  • Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / administration & dosage*
  • Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor / adverse effects*
  • Macrophages / metabolism
  • Male
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Regenerative Medicine
  • Splenomegaly / chemically induced*
  • Swine / immunology*

Substances

  • Immunoglobulin Fc Fragments
  • Macrophage Colony-Stimulating Factor

Associated data

  • GEO/GSE52636