Copyright © 2006, European Society of Cardiology
Targeting the heart with gene therapy-optimized gene delivery methods
Internal Medicine III, University of Heidelberg, Germany
* Corresponding author. Universitätsklinikum Heidelberg, Innere Medizin III, Im Neuenheimer Feld 410, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany. Tel.: +49 6221 5639401; fax: +49 6221 565516. Email address: o.mueller{at}dkfz-heidelberg.de
With evolving knowledge in molecular and cellular cardiology, cardiac gene therapy has already been investigated in clinical studies. Different vector systems for cardiac gene therapy have been developed in recent years. While non-viral vectors, such as plasmid DNA, allow remarkable organ specificity, they are often limited by low transfection efficiency and transient gene expression. In contrast, adenoviral or adeno-associated virus-based vectors transfer the transgene more efficiently, but organ specificity may be reduced and immunogenic properties can limit their applicability. Using advanced transcriptional and transductional targeting strategies, viral vectors have been improved in the last few years. Recently, more efficient serotypes of adeno-associated viruses have been identified that show increased transduction rates, thus reducing the necessity for high virus titers. Combination with specific application techniques, such as intramyocardial injection, catheter-based perfusion, ultrasound targeted microbubble destruction, or retroinfusion may further enhance vector efficiency. This review article will give a broad overview of different gene delivery strategies that have been applied in experimental and clinical studies targeting the heart.
KEYWORDS Gene therapy; Vector; Ultrasound; Angiogenesis; Virus
Time for primary review 16 days
CiteULike 
Connotea 
Del.icio.us What's this?
This article has been cited by other articles:
|
|
 |
|
  J. H. Boyd, B. Kan, H. Roberts, Y. Wang, and K. R. Walley S100A8 and S100A9 Mediate Endotoxin-Induced Cardiomyocyte Dysfunction via the Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products Circ. Res., May 23, 2008; 102(10): 1239 - 1246. [Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]
|
|