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Li T, Huang Y, Tao C, Yin X, Su X, Shao Y, Liang C, Jiang M, Cai Y, Lin Y, Zeng C, Zhao X, Liu L, Zhang W. Biochemical and molecular analysis of pediatric patients with metachromatic leukodystrophy in South China: functional characterization of five novel ARSA variants. Metab Brain Dis 2024; 39:753-762. [PMID: 38775997 DOI: 10.1007/s11011-024-01348-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a rare hereditary neurodegenerative disease caused by deficiency of the lysosomal enzyme arylsulfatase A (ARSA). This study described the clinical and molecular characteristics of 24 Chinese children with MLD and investigated functional characterization of five novel ARSA variants. A retrospective analysis was performed in 24 patients diagnosed with MLD at Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center in South China. Five novel mutations were further characterized by transient expression studies. We recruited 17 late-infantile, 3 early-juvenile, 4 late-juvenile MLD patients. In late-infantile patients, motor developmental delay and gait disturbance were the most frequent symptoms at onset. In juvenile patients, cognitive regression and gait disturbance were the most frequent chief complaints. Overall, 25 different ARSA mutations were identified with 5 novel mutations.The most frequent alleles were p.W320* and p.G449Rfs. The mutation p.W320*, p.Q155=, p.P91L, p.G156D, p.H208Mfs*46 and p.G449Rfs may link to late-infantile type. The novel missense mutations were predicted damaging in silico. The bioinformatic structural analysis of the novel missense mutations showed that these amino acid replacements would cause severe impairment of protein structure and function. In vitro functional analysis of the six mutants, showing a low ARSA enzyme activity, clearly demonstrated their pathogenic nature. The mutation p.D413N linked to R alleles. In western blotting analysis of the ARSA protein, the examined mutations retained reduced amounts of ARSA protein compared to the wild type. This study expands the spectrum of genotype of MLD. It helps to the future studies of genotype-phenotype correlations to estimate prognosis and develop new therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taolin Li
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 9 Jinsui Road, 510623, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yonglan Huang
- Department of Guangzhou Newborn Screening Center, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Chunyan Tao
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 9 Jinsui Road, 510623, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xi Yin
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 9 Jinsui Road, 510623, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xueying Su
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 9 Jinsui Road, 510623, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yongxian Shao
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 9 Jinsui Road, 510623, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Cuili Liang
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 9 Jinsui Road, 510623, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Minyan Jiang
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 9 Jinsui Road, 510623, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanna Cai
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 9 Jinsui Road, 510623, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Yunting Lin
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 9 Jinsui Road, 510623, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chunhua Zeng
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 9 Jinsui Road, 510623, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoyuan Zhao
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 9 Jinsui Road, 510623, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 9 Jinsui Road, 510623, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
| | - Wen Zhang
- Department of Genetics and Endocrinology, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Center, Guangzhou Medical University, 9 Jinsui Road, 510623, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China.
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Deng J, Tan Y, Xu Z, Wang H. Advances in hematopoietic stem cells ex vivo expansion associated with bone marrow niche. Ann Hematol 2024:10.1007/s00277-024-05773-1. [PMID: 38684510 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-024-05773-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) are an ideal source for the treatment of many hematological diseases and malignancies, as well as diseases of other systems, because of their two important features, self-renewal and multipotential differentiation, which have the ability to rebuild the blood system and immune system of the body. However, so far, the insufficient number of available HSCs, whether from bone marrow (BM), mobilized peripheral blood or umbilical cord blood, is still the main restricting factor for the clinical application. Therefore, strategies to expand HSCs numbers and maintain HSCs functions through ex vivo culture are urgently required. In this review, we outline the basic biology characteristics of HSCs, and focus on the regulatory factors in BM niche affecting the functions of HSCs. Then, we introduce several representative strategies used for HSCs from these three sources ex vivo expansion associated with BM niche. These findings have deepened our understanding of the mechanisms by which HSCs balance self-renewal and differentiation and provided a theoretical basis for the efficient clinical HSCs expansion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ju Deng
- Institute of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment of Hematological Disease of Shanxi Province, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Yanhong Tan
- Institute of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment of Hematological Disease of Shanxi Province, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Zhifang Xu
- Institute of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment of Hematological Disease of Shanxi Province, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Hongwei Wang
- Institute of Hematology, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
- The Key Laboratory of Molecular Diagnosis and Treatment of Hematological Disease of Shanxi Province, The Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China.
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Riedel A, Faul C, Reuss K, Schröder JC, Lang PJ, Lengerke C, Weissert N, Hengel H, Gröschel S, Schoels L, Bethge WA. Allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation for adult metachromatic leukodystrophy: a case series. Blood Adv 2024; 8:1504-1508. [PMID: 38330194 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2023011836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a rare genetic disorder caused by pathogenic variants of the ARSA gene, leading to a deficiency of the arylsulfatase A enzyme (ARSA) and consecutive accumulation of galactosylceramide-3-0-sulfate in the nervous system. The condition leads to severe neurological deficits and subsequently results in profound intellectual and motoric disability. Especially, the adult form of MLD, which occurs in individuals aged >16 years, poses significant challenges for treating physicians because of the rarity of cases, limited therapeutic options, and different allogeneic hematopoietic cell transplantation (allo-HCT) protocols worldwide. Here, we report the results of allo-HCT treatment in 4 patients with a confirmed adult MLD diagnosis. Bone marrow or mobilized peripheral progenitor cells were infused after a reduced intensity conditioning regime consisting of fludarabine and treosulfan. In 3 patients, allo-HCT was followed by an infusion of mesenchymal cells to further consolidate ARSA production. We observed a good tolerability and an increase in ARSA levels up to normal range values in all patients. A full donor chimerism was detected in 3 patients within the first 12 months. In a 1-year follow-up, patients with complete donor chimerism showed a neurological stable condition. Only 1 patient with an increasing autologous chimerism showed neurological deterioration and a decline in ARSA levels in the first year. In summary, allo-HCT offers a therapeutic option for reconstituting ARSA enzyme levels in adult patients with MLD, with tolerable side effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Riedel
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Hematology, Oncology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Christoph Faul
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Hematology, Oncology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Kristina Reuss
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Hematology, Oncology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Jan C Schröder
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Hematology, Oncology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Peter J Lang
- Department I, General Pediatrics, Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Claudia Lengerke
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Hematology, Oncology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Nadine Weissert
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Neurology and Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Holger Hengel
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Neurology and Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Samuel Gröschel
- Department III, Neuropediatrics, University Children's Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Ludger Schoels
- Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen, Tuebingen, Germany
- Department of Neurology and Hertie-Institute for Clinical Brain Research, University of Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Wolfgang A Bethge
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Hematology, Oncology, Clinical Immunology and Rheumatology, University Hospital Tuebingen, Tuebingen, Germany
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Aerts-Kaya F, van Til NP. Gene and Cellular Therapies for Leukodystrophies. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2522. [PMID: 38004502 PMCID: PMC10675548 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15112522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2023] [Revised: 10/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Leukodystrophies are a heterogenous group of inherited, degenerative encephalopathies, that if left untreated, are often lethal at an early age. Although some of the leukodystrophies can be treated with allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, not all patients have suitable donors, and new treatment strategies, such as gene therapy, are rapidly being developed. Recent developments in the field of gene therapy for severe combined immune deficiencies, Leber's amaurosis, epidermolysis bullosa, Duchenne's muscular dystrophy and spinal muscular atrophy, have paved the way for the treatment of leukodystrophies, revealing some of the pitfalls, but overall showing promising results. Gene therapy offers the possibility for overexpression of secretable enzymes that can be released and through uptake, allow cross-correction of affected cells. Here, we discuss some of the leukodystrophies that have demonstrated strong potential for gene therapy interventions, such as X-linked adrenoleukodystrophy (X-ALD), and metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD), which have reached clinical application. We further discuss the advantages and disadvantages of ex vivo lentiviral hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy, an approach for targeting microglia-like cells or rendering cross-correction. In addition, we summarize ongoing developments in the field of in vivo administration of recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV) vectors, which can be used for direct targeting of affected cells, and other recently developed molecular technologies that may be applicable to treating leukodystrophies in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Aerts-Kaya
- Department of Stem Cell Sciences, Graduate School of Health Sciences, Center for Stem Cell Research and Development, Hacettepe University, 06100 Ankara, Turkey;
- Advanced Technologies Application and Research Center, Hacettepe University, 06800 Ankara, Turkey
| | - Niek P. van Til
- Amsterdam Leukodystrophy Center, Emma Children’s Hospital, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Amsterdam Neuroscience, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Integrative Neurophysiology, Center for Neurogenomics and Cognitive Research, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Jonckheere AI, Kingma SDK, Eyskens F, Bordon V, Jansen AC. Metachromatic leukodystrophy: To screen or not to screen? Eur J Paediatr Neurol 2023; 46:1-7. [PMID: 37354699 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpn.2023.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/26/2023]
Abstract
Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a neurodegenerative lysosomal storage disorder caused by biallelic pathogenic variants in the gene encoding arylsulfatase A. Disease onset is variable (with late infantile, early and late juvenile, and adult forms) and treatment options depend on age and disease symptoms at onset. In the past, allo-hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) has been the best treatment option, following strict selection criteria. The outcome however is variable and morbidity remains high. This paved the way to the development of new treatment options, some of them aiming to be curative. In the light of this changing therapeutic field, newborn screening is becoming a valuable option. This narrative review aims to describe the outcome of allo-HSCT in the different MLD disease forms, and, in addition, reviews new treatment options. Finally, the shift of the field towards newborn screening for MLD is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- An I Jonckheere
- Department of Child Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium; Centre for Metabolic Diseases, University Hospital Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium.
| | - Sandra D K Kingma
- Centre for Metabolic Diseases, University Hospital Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - François Eyskens
- Centre for Metabolic Diseases, University Hospital Antwerp, University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Victoria Bordon
- Department of Child Oncology, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Anna C Jansen
- Department of Child Neurology, Antwerp University Hospital, University of Antwerp, Edegem, Belgium
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Manto M, Cendelin J, Strupp M, Mitoma H. Advances in cerebellar disorders: pre-clinical models, therapeutic targets, and challenges. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2023; 27:965-987. [PMID: 37768297 DOI: 10.1080/14728222.2023.2263911] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cerebellar ataxias (CAs) represent neurological disorders with multiple etiologies and a high phenotypic variability. Despite progress in the understanding of pathogenesis, few therapies are available so far. Closing the loop between preclinical studies and therapeutic trials is important, given the impact of CAs upon patients' health and the roles of the cerebellum in multiple domains. Because of a rapid advance in research on CAs, it is necessary to summarize the main findings and discuss future directions. AREAS COVERED We focus our discussion on preclinical models, cerebellar reserve, the therapeutic management of CAs, and suitable surrogate markers. We searched Web of Science and PubMed using keywords relevant to cerebellar diseases, therapy, and preclinical models. EXPERT OPINION There are many symptomatic and/or disease-modifying therapeutic approaches under investigation. For therapy development, preclinical studies, standardization of disease evaluation, safety assessment, and demonstration of clinical improvements are essential. Stage of the disease and the level of the cerebellar reserve determine the goals of the therapy. Deficits in multiple categories and heterogeneity of CAs may require disease-, stage-, and symptom-specific therapies. More research is needed to clarify how therapies targeting the cerebellum influence both basal ganglia and the cerebral cortex, poorly explored domains in CAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Manto
- Service des Neurosciences, University of Mons, Mons, Belgium
| | - Jan Cendelin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Michael Strupp
- Department of Neurology and German Center for Vertigo and Balance Disorders, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Hiroshi Mitoma
- Department of Medical Education, Tokyo medical University, Tokyo, Japan
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Valsecchi C, Croce S, Lenta E, Acquafredda G, Comoli P, Avanzini MA. TITLE: New therapeutic approaches in pediatric diseases: Mesenchymal stromal cell and mesenchymal stromal cell-derived extracellular vesicles as new drugs. Pharmacol Res 2023; 192:106796. [PMID: 37207738 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal Stromal Cell (MSC) clinical applications have been widely reported and their therapeutic potential has been documented in several diseases. MSCs can be isolated from several human tissues and easily expanded in vitro, they are able to differentiate in a variety of cell lineages, and they are known to interact with most immunological cells, showing immunosuppressive and tissue repair properties. Their therapeutic efficacy is closely associated with the release of bioactive molecules, namely Extracellular Vesicles (EVs), effective as their parental cells. EVs isolated from MSCs act by fusing with target cell membrane and releasing their content, showing a great potential for the treatment of injured tissues and organs, and for the modulation of the host immune system. EV-based therapies provide, as major advantages, the possibility to cross the epithelium and blood barrier and their activity is not influenced by the surrounding environment. In the present review, we deal with pre-clinical reports and clinical trials to provide data in support of MSC and EV clinical efficacy with particular focus on neonatal and pediatric diseases. Considering pre-clinical and clinical data so far available, it is likely that cell-based and cell-free therapies could become an important therapeutic approach for the treatment of several pediatric diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Valsecchi
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology Unit and Cell Factory, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Stefania Croce
- Cell Factory, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Elisa Lenta
- Cell Factory, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Gloria Acquafredda
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology Unit and Cell Factory, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Patrizia Comoli
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology Unit and Cell Factory, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | - Maria Antonietta Avanzini
- Pediatric Hematology Oncology Unit and Cell Factory, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
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Development and clinical translation of ex vivo gene therapy. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2022; 20:2986-3003. [PMID: 35782737 PMCID: PMC9218169 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2022.06.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Retroviral gene therapy has emerged as a promising therapeutic modality for multiple inherited and acquired human diseases. The capability of delivering curative treatment or mediating therapeutic benefits for a long-term period following a single application fundamentally distinguishes this medical intervention from traditional medicine and various lentiviral/γ-retroviral vector-mediated gene therapy products have been approved for clinical use. Continued advances in retroviral vector engineering, genomic editing, synthetic biology and immunology will broaden the medical applications of gene therapy and improve the efficacy and safety of the treatments based on genetic correction and alteration. This review will summarize the advent and clinical translation of ex vivo gene therapy, with the focus on the milestones during the exploitation of genetically engineered hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs) tackling a variety of pathological conditions which led to marketing approval. Finally, current statue and future prospects of gene editing as an alternative therapeutic approach are also discussed.
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