Specific transgene expression in HIV-infected cells using protease-cleavable transcription regulator.

Gene therapy is a promising strategy for the treatment of HIV infection, but cell specificity remains an issue. Recently we have developed a new concept for a drug or gene delivery system responding to cellular signals (D-RECS) to achieve cell-specific transgene expression using a non-viral polymer-based vehicle. According to this concept, intracellular signaling enzymes, which are activated specifically in target cells, are used to trigger transgene expression.

Drug delivery system based on responses to an HIV infectious signal.

Gene therapy is a growing topic in the medical arena. Since the safety system of gene therapy has not been sufficiently established, its clinical use is limited. Recently, we developed a cell-specific gene regulation system based on a new concept, D-RECS, or Drug and Gene Delivery System Responding to Cellular Signals.