title: Design and application of HSV vectors for neuroprotection.
abstract: Herpes simplex virus has been extensively genetically modified for gene transfer to nerve and other tissues, to create vectors that are devoid of viral gene expression and toxicity. Recombinant vectors have been engineered to express genes which protect neurons against toxic insults resulting in cell death, including nerve growth factor (NGF) and anti-apoptotic genes (eg bcl-2). This review describes experiments using HSV vectors expressing these gene products and their potential protective role in ameliorating neurodegenerative processes in animal model systems.
authors.affiliation: Departments of Neurology and Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine and GRECC, VA Pittsburgh Healthcare System, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA.
authors.forename: D J
authors.initials: DJ
authors.lastname: Fink
authors.forename: N A
authors.initials: NA
authors.lastname: DeLuca
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Yamada
authors.forename: D P
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Wolfe
authors.forename: J C
authors.initials: JC
authors.lastname: Glorioso
mesh_terms: D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D006801:Humans; D009414:Nerve Growth Factors / Q000235:genetics*; D019636:Neurodegenerative Diseases / Q000628:therapy*; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2 / Q000235:genetics; D018139:Simplexvirus / Q000235:genetics*
chemical_list: D009414:Nerve Growth Factors; D019253:Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2