Bronchial artery delivery of viral vectors for gene delivery in cystic fibrosis; superior to airway delivery?

Abstract

Background: Attempts at gene therapy for the pulmonary manifestations of Cystic Fibrosis have relied mainly on airway delivery. However the efficiency of gene transfer and expression in the airway epithelia has not reached therapeutic levels. Access to epithelial cells is not homogenous for a number of reasons and the submucosal glands cannot be reached via the airways. Presentation: We propose that injecting gene delivery vectors directly into bronchial arteries combined with pre-delivery of vascular endothelial growth factor to increase vascular endothelial permeability and post-delivery flow reduction by balloon occlusion. Thus it may be possible to reach mucous secreting cells of the bronchial luminal epithelium and the submucosal glands in an increased and homogenous fashion. Testing: This combination of techniques to the best of our knowledge has not previously been investigated, and may allow some of the current limitations of gene therapy for Cystic Fibrosis to be overcome. © 2002 Bakhai et al; licensee BioMed Central Ltd.