Long-term genetic modification of rhesus monkey hematopoietic cells following transplantation of adenoassociated virus vector-transduced CD34+ cells.

We have explored the potential of recombinant adenoassociated virus (AAV) vectors for gene transfer of the human beta-globin gene and the genetic modification of primate pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells (P-PHSCs). Transduction of P-PHSCs was tested in a preclinical bone marrow transplantation model in rhesus monkeys. CD34+ cells were transduced ex vivo and autologously transplanted without prior selection into irradiated rhesus monkeys.

Regulated high-level human beta-globin gene expression in erythroid cells following recombinant adeno-associated virus-mediated gene transfer.

Gene therapy approaches for beta-thalassemia and sickle cell anemia focus on the transfer of a human beta-globin gene into the patient's hematopoietic stem cells (HSC). Expression of the transferred sequences should be erythroid specific and match the expression of the endogenous alpha-globin genes in adult erythropoiesis. Here we explore the potential of recombinant adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors for human beta-globin gene transfer.

Gene therapy for adenosine deaminase deficiency.

In the last decade, gene transfer into hematopoietic cells has evolved from an experimental procedure which resulted in successfully transduced in vitro hematopoietic colonies to the first clinical trials in patients suffering from severe combined immunodeficiency disease caused by the absence of functional adenosine deaminase. Significant in vivo expression of the newly introduced gene encoding human adenosine deaminase has been observed in descendents of murine and rhesus monkey hematopoietic stem cells following retrovirus mediated gene transfer. So far, 10 patients have received genetically repaired T-cells, hematopoietic stem cells or both without the appearance of any side effect.

Bone marrow gene therapy for adenosine deaminase deficiency.

Deficiency of adenosine deaminase (ADA) results in severe combined immunodeficiency disease (SCID). The cause for this is believed to be the accumulation of one of the substrates for ADA, 2'-deoxyadenosine to which especially T cells are hypersensitive. This disease can be treated successfully with bone marrow transplantation if a suitable donor is available.

Factors affecting the transduction of pluripotent hematopoietic stem cells: long-term expression of a human adenosine deaminase gene in mice.

An amphotropic retroviral vector, LgAL(delta Mo + PyF101) containing a human adenosine deaminase (ADA) cDNA was used to optimize procedures for the lasting genetic modification of the hematopoietic system of mice. The highest number of retrovirally infected cells in the hematopoietic tissues of long-term reconstituted mice was observed after transplantation of bone marrow (BM) cells that had been cocultured in the presence of both interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1 alpha) and IL-3. A significantly lower number was detected when IL-1 alpha was omitted from such cocultures.