Viral Gene Therapy

This volume discusses protocols, ranging from vector production to delivery methods, used to execute gene therapy applications. Chapters are divided into four parts, and cover topics such as design, construction, and application of transcription activation-like effectors; multi-modal production of adeno-associated virus; construction of oncolytic herpes simplex virus; AAV-mediated gene delivery to the mouse liver; and intrathecal delivery of gene therapeutics by direct lumbar puncture in mice. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and authoritative, Viral Vectors for Gene Therapy: Methods and Protocols is a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and students looking to utilize viral vectors in gene therapy experiments.

Gene Therapy for Viral Infections provides a comprehensive review of the broader field of nucleic acid and its use in treating viral infections. The text bridges the gap between basic science and important clinical applications of the technology, providing a systematic, integrated review of the advances in nucleic acid-based antiviral drugs and the potential advantages of new technologies over current treatment options. Coverage begins with the fundamentals, exploring varying topics, including harnessing RNAi to silence viral gene expression, antiviral gene editing, viral gene therapy vectors, and non-viral vectors. Subsequent sections include detailed coverage of the developing use of gene therapy for the treatment of specific infections, the principles of rational design of antivirals, and the hurdles that currently face the further advancement of gene therapy technology. Provides coverage of gene therapy for a variety of infections, including HBV, HCV, HIV, hemorrhagic fever viruses, and respiratory and other viral infections Bridges the gap between the basic science and the important medical applications of this technology Features a broad approach to the topic, including an essential overview and the applications of gene therapy, synthetic RNA, and other antiviral strategies that involve nucleic acid engineering Presents perspectives on the future use of nucleic acids as a novel class of antiviral drugs Arms the reader with the cutting-edge information needed to stay abreast of this developing field

Viral Vectors for Gene Therapy: Methods and Protocols consists of 30 ch- ters detailing the use of herpes viruses, adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses, simple and complex retroviruses, including lentiviruses, and other virus systems for vector development and gene transfer. Chapter cont- butions provide perspective in the use of viral vectors for applications in the brain and in the central nervous system. Viral Vectors for Gene Therapy: Methods and Protocols contains step-by-step methods for successful rep- cation of experimental procedures, and should prove useful for both experienced investigators and newcomers in the field, including those beginning graduate study or undergoing postdoctoral training. The “Notes” section contained in each chapter provides valuable troublesho- ing guides to help develop working protocols for your laboratory. With Viral Vectors for Gene Therapy: Methods and Protocols, it has been my intent to develop a comprehensive collection of modern molecular methods for the construction, development, and use of viral vectors for gene transfer and gene therapy. I would like to thank the many chapter authors for their contributions. They are all experts in various aspects of viral vectors, and I appreciate their efforts and hard work in developing comprehensive chapters. As editor, it has been a privilege to preview the development of Viral Vectors for Gene Therapy: Methods and Protocols, and to acquire insight into the various methodological approaches from the many different contri- tors.

Adenoviral Vectors for Gene Therapy, Second Edition provides detailed, comprehensive coverage of the gene delivery vehicles that are based on the adenovirus that is emerging as an important tool in gene therapy. These exciting new therapeutic agents have great potential for the treatment of disease, making gene therapy a fast-growing field for research. This book presents topics ranging from the basic biology of adenoviruses, through the construction and purification of adenoviral vectors, cutting-edge vectorology, and the use of adenoviral vectors in preclinical animal models, with final consideration of the regulatory issues surrounding human clinical gene therapy trials. This broad scope of information provides a solid overview of the field, allowing the reader to gain a complete understanding of the development and use of adenoviral vectors. Provides complete coverage of the basic biology of adenoviruses, as well as their construction, propagation, and purification of adenoviral vectors Introduces common strategies for the development of adenoviral vectors, along with cutting-edge methods for their improvement Demonstrates noninvasive imaging of adenovirus-mediated gene transfer Discusses utility of adenoviral vectors in animal disease models Considers Federal Drug Administration regulations for human clinical trials

The development of technologies that allow targeting of specific cells has progressed substantially in recent years for several types of vectors, particularly viral vectors, which have been used in 70% of gene therapy clinical trials. Particular viruses have been selected as gene delivery vehicles because of their capacities to carry foreign genes and their ability to efficiently deliver these genes associated with efficient gene expression. This book is designed to present the most recent advances in viral gene therapy

The huge potential for gene therapy to cure a wide range of diseases has led to high expectations and a great increase in research efforts in this area, particularly in the study of delivery via viral vectors, widely considered to be more efficient than DNA transfection. In Viral Vectors for Gene Therapy: Methods and Protocols, experts in the field present a collection of their knowledge and experience featuring methodologies that involve virus production, transferring protocols, and evaluating the efficacy of gene products. While thoroughly covering the most popular viral vector systems of adenovirus, retrovirus, and adeno-associated virus, this detailed volume also explores less common viral vector systems such as baculovirus, herpes virus, and measles virus, the growing interest in which is creating a considerable demand for large scale manufacturing and purification procedures. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular BiologyTM series format, many chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and vital tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls. Comprehensive and practical, Viral Vectors for Gene Therapy: Methods and Protocols provides basic principles accessible to scientists from a wide variety of backgrounds for the development of gene therapy viral products that are safe and effective.

Genetic manipulation of the adult mammalian nervous system is one of the most exciting areas in contemporary neurobiology. The explosive growth of this field has been facilitated by harnessing the power of viruses to transfer genetic material into mammalian cells. Viral Vectors: Gene Therapy and Neuroscience Applications represents the first comprehensive review of viral vector applications to the nervous system by leaders in virology, molecular neurobiology, neuroanatomy, and developmental neurobiology. It serves both as a source of fundamental information for those newly interested in viral vectors and as a compilation of state-of-the-art technologies and applications for more experienced researchers. This work provides expert background information on viral systems, and the broad range of applications will help readers appreciate the current and future impact of viral vectors in both clinical and basic neuroscience.

Gene transfer within humans has been an obstacle until about 10 years ago. At that time, it was found that viral vectors were effective carriers of "healthy genes" into patients' cells. The problem, however, was that viral vectors proved unnecessarily harmful to humans: subjects experienced inflamatory activity and negative immunological responses to the genes. Viral vectors were also unable to meet the needs of the pharmaceutical community: they were not reproducible in large-scale proportions in cost-effective ways. Thus, research was undertaken to find a safer way to transfer genes to patients without jeopardizing the safety of the patient. And so non-viral vectors were discovered. This volume presents the various non-viral vectors currently under development. Although not methodologically oriented, it will provide the necessary details behind the development of the vectors. This information will prove useful to both researchers and clinicians. Key Features * Presents state-of-the art developments of nonviral vectors as tools for modern molecular medicine * Covers all types of nonviral vectors, from molecular structure to therapeutic application Provides a comprehensive review of synthetic vectors * Includes contributions from major investigators and leading experts in the field