L D Stratford-Perricaudet

Bio: L D Stratford-Perricaudet is an academic researcher from Centre national de la recherche scientifique. The author has contributed to research in topics: Genetic enhancement & In vivo. The author has an hindex of 7, co-authored 9 publications receiving 3409 citations.

Adenovirus-mediated transfer of a recombinant alpha 1-antitrypsin gene to the lung epithelium in vivo

Abstract: The respiratory epithelium is a potential site for somatic gene therapy for the common hereditary disorders alpha 1-antitrypsin (alpha 1AT) deficiency and cystic fibrosis. A replication-deficient adenoviral vector (Ad-alpha 1AT) containing an adenovirus major late promoter and a recombinant human alpha 1AT gene was used to infect epithelial cells of the cotton rat respiratory tract in vitro and in vivo. Freshly isolated tracheobronchial epithelial cells infected with Ad-alpha 1AT contained human alpha 1AT messenger RNA transcripts and synthesized and secreted human alpha 1AT. After in vivo intratracheal administration of Ad-alpha 1AT to these rats, human alpha 1AT messenger RNA was observed in the respiratory epithelium, human alpha 1AT was synthesized and secreted by lung tissue, and human alpha 1AT was detected in the epithelial lining fluid for at least 1 week.

An adenovirus vector for gene transfer into neurons and glia in the brain

Abstract: The efficient introduction of genetic material into quiescent nerve cells is important in the study of brain function and for gene therapy of neurological disorders. A replication-deficient adenoviral vector that contained a reporter gene encoding beta-galactosidase infected rat nerve cells in vitro and in vivo. beta-Galactosidase was expressed in almost all sympathetic neurons and astrocytes in culture. After stereotactic inoculations into the rat hippocampus and the substantia nigra, beta-galactosidase activity was detected for 2 months. Infected cells were identified as microglial cells, astrocytes, or neurons with anatomical, morphological, and immunohistochemical criteria. No obvious cytopathic effect was observed.

Widespread long-term gene transfer to mouse skeletal muscles and heart.

Abstract: Successful treatment of muscular disorders awaits an adapted gene delivery protocol. The clinically applicable technique used for hematopoietic cells which is centered around implantation of retrovirally modified cells may not prove sufficient for a reversal of phenotype when muscle diseases are concerned. We report here efficient, long-term in vivo gene transfer throughout mouse skeletal and cardiac muscles after intravenous administration of a recombinant adenovirus. This simple, direct procedure raises the possibility that muscular degenerative diseases might one day be treatable by gene therapy.

Adenovirus-mediated in vivo gene transfer and expression in normal rat liver.

Abstract: Replication deficient, recombinant adenovirus (Ad) vectors do not require target cell replication for transfer and expression of exogenous genes and thus may be useful for in vivo gene therapy in hepatocytes. In vitro, primary cultures of rat hepatocytes infected with a recombinant Ad containing a human α1–antitrypsin cDNA (Ad–α1AT) synthesized and secreted human α1 AT for 4 weeks. In rats, in vivo intraportal administration of a recombinant Ad containing the E. coli lacZ gene, was followed by expression of β–galactosidase in hepatocytes 3 days after infection. Intraportal infusion of Ad–α1AT produced detectable serum levels of human α1AT for 4 weeks. Thus, targeted gene expression has been achieved in the liver, albeit at low levels, suggesting that adenovirus vectors may be a useful means for in vivo gene therapy in liver disorders.

Diversity of airway epithelial cell targets for in vivo recombinant adenovirus-mediated gene transfer.

Abstract: A variety of pulmonary disorders, including cystic fibrosis, are potentially amenable to treatment in which a therapeutic gene is directly transferred to the bronchial epithelium. This is difficult to accomplish because the majority of airway epithelial cells replicate slowly and/or are terminally differentiated. Adenovirus vectors may circumvent this problem, since they do not require target cell proliferation to express exogenous genes. To evaluate the diversity of airway epithelial cell targets for in vivo adenovirus-directed gene transfer, a replication deficient recombinant adenovirus containing the Escherichia coli lacZ (beta-galactosidase [beta-gal]) gene (Ad.RSV beta gal) was used to infect lungs of cotton rats. In contrast to uninfected animals, intratracheal Ad.RSV beta gal administration resulted in beta-gal activity in lung lysate and cytochemical staining in all cell types forming the airway epithelium. The expression of the exogenous gene was dose-dependent, and the distribution of the beta-gal positive airway epithelial cells in Ad.RSV beta gal-infected animals was similar to the normal cell differential of the control animals. Thus, a replication deficient recombinant adenovirus can transfer an exogenous gene to all major categories of airway epithelial cells in vivo, suggesting that adenovirus vectors may be an efficient strategy for in vivo gene transfer in airway disorders such as cystic fibrosis.

A simplified system for generating recombinant adenoviruses

Abstract: Recombinant adenoviruses provide a versatile system for gene expression studies and therapeutic applications. This invention describes a strategy which simplifies the generation and production of such viruses. A recombinant adenoviral plasmid is generated with a minimum of enzymatic manipulations, employing homologous recombination in bacteria rather than in eucaryotic cells. Following transfections of such plasmids into a mammalian packaging cell line, viral production can be conveniently followed with the aid of green fluorescent protein, encoded by a gene incorporated into the viral backbone. Homogeneous viruses can be obtained from this procedure without plaque purification. This system expedites the process of generating and testing recombinant adenoviruses.

The Basic Science of Gene Therapy

Abstract: The development over the past decade of methods for delivering genes to mammalian cells has stimulated great interest in the possibility of treating human disease by gene-based therapies. However, despite substantial progress, a number of key technical issues need to be resolved before gene therapy can be safely and effectively applied in the clinic. Future technological developments, particularly in the areas of gene delivery and cell transplantation, will be critical for the successful practice of gene therapy.

Cellular immunity to viral antigens limits E1-deleted adenoviruses for gene therapy

Abstract: An important limitation that has emerged in the use of adenoviruses for gene therapy has been loss of recombinant gene expression that occurs concurrent with the development of pathology in the organ expressing the transgene. We have used liver-directed approaches to gene therapy in mice to study mechanisms that underlie the problems with transient expression and pathology that have characterized in vivo applications of first-generation recombinant adenoviruses (i.e., those deleted of E1a and E1b). Our data are consistent with the following hypothesis. Cells harboring the recombinant viral genome express the transgene as desired; however, low-level expression of viral genes also occurs. A virus-specific cellular immune response is stimulated that leads to destruction of the genetically modified hepatocytes, massive hepatitis, and repopulation of the liver with nontransgene-containing hepatocytes. These findings suggest approaches for improving recombinant adenoviruses that are based on further crippling the virus to limit expression of nondeleted viral genes.

Transfer of Genes to Humans: Early Lessons and Obstacles to Success

Abstract: Enough information has been gained from clinical trials to allow the conclusion that human gene transfer is feasible, can evoke biologic responses that are relevant to human disease, and can provide important insights into human biology. Adverse events have been uncommon and have been related to the gene delivery strategies, not to the genetic material being transferred. Human gene transfer still faces significant hurdles before it becomes an established therapeutic strategy. However, its accomplishments to date are impressive, and the logic of the potential usefulness of this clinical paradigm continues to be compelling.