Gene therapy to prevent restenosis, the Boston experience

The delivery of genetic material to the vessel wall is being explored as a means to treat disorders of the vasculature. Gene therapy offers the possibility to directly or indirectly influence the molecular pathways that are disregulated. With regard to postangioplasty restenosis, gene therapy is most often aimed at inhibition of vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation. Here, we review the results of studies in our laboratories that have investigated a number of different strategies to inhibit proliferative vessel wall lesions. These strategies include the administration of genes that block cell cycle progression, induce apoptosis, or promote the growth of vascular endothelium.