Technology insight: gene transfer and the design of novel treatments for rheumatoid arthritis.
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory disease characterized by systemic inflammation and joint destruction. Novel therapies have emerged during the past decade, marking a new era in the treatment of RA. Meanwhile, in vivo and in vitro gene-transfer studies have provided valuable insights into mechanisms of disease pathogenesis. Advanced gene-delivery techniques and animal models promise further progress in RA research and the development of novel therapeutic strategies for this disease. In this article we provide an overview of the wide spectrum of potential targets that have been identified so far, discuss currently available gene-transfer methods, and outline the barriers that need to be overcome for these approaches to be successfully applied in daily practice.
Moritz
Falk
F
Center of Experimental Rheumatology, Department of Rheumatology, University of Zurich, Switzerland.
Distler
Oliver
O
Ospelt
Caroline
C
Gay
Renate E
RE
Gay
Steffen
S
D000818:Animals; D001172:Arthritis, Rheumatoid / Q000235:genetics* / Q000276:immunology / Q000628:therapy*; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D015316:Genetic Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005822:Genetic Vectors / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006801:Humans; D051379:Mice; D016513:Mice, SCID; D012219:Rheumatology / Q000379:methods*