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Gene delivery and gene therapy with herpes simplex virus-based vectors
1Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, WC1N 1EH, London, UK. d.latchman@ich.ucl.ac.uk
Gene
|March 14, 2001
Summary
Herpes simplex virus (HSV)-based vectors offer efficient gene delivery to the nervous system. Modified HSV vectors enable safe, long-term gene expression for research and potential human gene therapy.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Gene Therapy
- Virology
Background:
- Efficient in vivo gene delivery is crucial for studying gene function and developing human gene therapies.
- Various viral and non-viral methods exist, each with specific applications and limitations.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the advantages of herpes simplex virus (HSV)-based vectors for gene delivery, particularly to the nervous system.
- To discuss advancements in modifying HSV vectors for safety and sustained transgene expression.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing disabled HSV vectors to prevent pathogenicity.
- Engineering vectors for long-term expression of therapeutic genes.
Main Results:
- HSV vectors demonstrate the ability to infect non-dividing neurons.
- These vectors can establish asymptomatic latent infections, facilitating sustained gene presence.
- Progress in disabling HSV vectors enhances safety profiles.
Conclusions:
- Modified HSV vectors are valuable tools for in vivo neuronal gene function studies.
- These vectors show promise for future human gene therapy applications due to their safety and efficacy.