Molecular and Cellular In Utero Therapy

Clin Perinatol. 2022 Dec;49(4):811-820. doi: 10.1016/j.clp.2022.06.005. Epub 2022 Oct 9.

Abstract

Significant advances in maternal-fetal medicine and gene sequencing technology have fostered a new frontier of in utero molecular and cellular therapeutics, including gene editing, enzyme replacement therapy, and stem cell transplantation to treat single-gene disorders with limited postnatal treatment strategies. In utero therapies take advantage of unique developmental properties of the fetus to allow for the correction of monogenic disorders before irreversible disease pathology develops. While early preclinical studies in animal models are encouraging, more studies are needed to further evaluate their safety and efficacy prior to widespread clinical use.

Keywords: In utero enzyme replacement therapy; In utero gene editing; In utero stem cell transplantation; In utero therapy; Maternal–fetal medicine.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Female
  • Fetal Therapies*
  • Fetus
  • Genetic Therapy
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Humans
  • Pregnancy
  • Stem Cell Transplantation