Strategies for Gene Transfer to Solid Organs: Viral Vectors

A major complication associated with transplantation of solid organs is immunological rejection, which is currently controlled pharmacologically with immunosuppressive drugs, which must be administered indefinitely and may have harmful side effects. Gene transfer to donor organs or recipient immune cells prior to transplantation could limit their use. The effects of transfer of candidate genes in experimental models of allograft rejection is outlined in this chapter, followed by a description of the features of an ideal gene-therapy vector. Finally, a brief overview of viral vector systems used commonly for gene transfer is presented.