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Review
Update on clinical gene therapy in childhood
  1. Waseem Qasim,
  2. H Bobby Gaspar,
  3. Adrian J Thrasher
  1. Molecular Immunology Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, London, UK
  1. Waseem Qasim, Molecular Immunology Unit, Institute of Child Health, University College London, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK; w.qasim{at}ich.ucl.ac.uk

Abstract

The successful use of gene therapy to correct rare immune system disorders has highlighted the enormous potential of such therapies. We review the current state of gene therapy for childhood immune system disorders, and consider why these conditions have been particularly amenable to genetic correction. As with all emerging therapies, there have been unexpected side effects and their underlying mechanisms are the subject of intense research. Minimising such risks through improved vector design will play an important role in developing the next generation of gene based therapies and extending their applicability.

  • gene therapy
  • retroviral vectors
  • severe combined immunodeficiency

http://dx.doi.org/10.1136/adc.2006.108787

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    Footnotes

    • Waseem Qasim is supported by the Leukaemia Research Fund and Adrian Thrasher is a Senior Wellcome Trust fellow.

    • Competing interests: None.

    • Abbreviations:
      ADA
      adenosine deaminase
      CGD
      chronic granulomatous disease
      HSCT
      haematopoietic stem cell transplantation
      LTR
      long terminal repeat
      SCID
      severe combined immune deficiency