Gene therapy for metachromatic leukodystrophy.

Title
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2016
AuthorsRosenberg JB, Kaminsky SM, Aubourg P, Crystal RG, Sondhi D
JournalJ Neurosci Res
Volume94
Issue11
Pagination1169-79
Date Published2016 Nov
ISSN1097-4547
Abstract

Leukodystrophies (LDs) are rare, often devastating genetic disorders with neurologic symptoms. There are currently no disease-specific therapeutic approaches for these diseases. In this review we use metachromatic leukodystrophy as an example to outline in the brief the therapeutic approaches to MLD that have been tested in animal models and in clinical trials, such as enzyme-replacement therapy, bone marrow/umbilical cord blood transplants, ex vivo transplantation of genetically modified hematopoietic stem cells, and gene therapy. These studies suggest that to be successful the ideal therapy for MLD must provide persistent and high level expression of the deficient gene, arylsulfatase A in the CNS. Gene therapy using adeno-associated viruses is therefore the ideal choice for clinical development as it provides the best balance of potential for efficacy with reduced safety risk. Here we have summarized the published preclinical data from our group and from others that support the use of a gene therapy with AAVrh.10 serotype for clinical development as a treatment for MLD, and as an example of the potential of gene therapy for LDs especially for Krabbe disease, which is the focus of this special issue. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.

DOI10.1002/jnr.23792
Alternate JournalJ. Neurosci. Res.
PubMed ID27638601
PubMed Central IDPMC5027970
Grant ListU01 NS066920 / NS / NINDS NIH HHS / United States