Gene therapy against cancer and HIV infection using the gene encoding herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase.
The expression of the gene encoding herpes simplex virus thymidine kinase (HSV-TK) in eukaryotic cells confers sensitivity to antiherpetic drugs such as acyclovir and ganciclovir. This property has been proposed for use in gene therapy approaches to kill either cancer cells or HIV-infected cells. Several animal experiments have shown the regression of tumors after in vivo transfer of the HSV-TK gene followed by ganciclovir treatment. Furthermore, CD4+ T cells harboring the HSV-TK gene under the control of HIV regulatory sequences are protected from HIV spreading in the presence of acyclovir. Thus, the HSV-TK gene has potential applications in gene therapy for the treatment of cancer and HIV infection.
Caruso
M
M
Department of Cell Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA. mcaruso@bcm.tmc.edu
D000818:Animals; D000963:Antimetabolites; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000628:therapy*; D018259:Herpesvirus 1, Human / Q000201:enzymology* / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D013937:Thymidine Kinase / Q000235:genetics*
D000963:Antimetabolites; D013937:Thymidine Kinase