Although the in vivo function of the Drosophila melanogaster Hox protein Ultrabithorax (Ubx) is to regulate transcription, in vitro Ubx hierarchically self-assembles to form nanoscale to macroscale materials.  The morphology, mechanical properties, and functionality (via protein chimeras) of Ubx materials are all easily engineered.  Ubx materials are also compatible with cells in culture.  These properties make Ubx attractive as a potential tissue engineering scaffold, but to be used as such they must be biocompatible and non-immunogenic.  In this study, we assess whether Ubx materials are suitable for in vivo applications.  When implanted into mice, Ubx fibers attracted minimal levels of immune cells to the implant area.  These localized immune cells did not generate an immune response, and mouse sera did not contain antibodies capable of recognizing Ubx.  Furthermore, Ubx fibers cultured with macrophages in vitro did not lyse the macrophages or activate the macrophages, as measured by TNF-a and NO secretion.  Finally, Ubx fibers do not cause hemolysis when incubated with human red blood cells.  We conclude Ubx materials are biocompatible and non-immunogenic.

Materials composed of the Drosophila Hox protein Ultrabithorax are biocompatible and non-immunogenic

247th National Meeting (2014)

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