Ex Vivo Gene Therapy in Organ Transplantation: Considerations and Clinical Translation

Ex vivo machine perfusion (EVMP) is rapidly growing in utility during solid organ transplantation. This form of organ preservation is transforming how organs are allocated and expanding the definition of what is considered a suitable organ for transplantation in comparison with traditional static cold storage. All major organs (heart, lung, liver, kidney) have been influenced by this advanced method of organ preservation. This technology also serves as an unprecedented platform for effective administration of advanced therapeutics, including gene therapies, during organ transplantation to optimize and recondition organs ex vivo in an isolated manner. Applying gene therapy interventions through EVMP introduces different considerations and challenges that are unique from gene therapies designed for systemic administration. Considerations involving vector (choice, dose, toxicity), perfusate composition, and perfusion circuit components should be evaluated when developing a gene therapy to administer in this setting. This review explores these aspects and discusses clinical applications in transplantation where gene therapy interventions can be developed relevant to heart, lung, liver, and kidney donor grafts.