Pharmacologically regulated in vivo selection in a large animal

Blood. 2002 Sep 15;100(6):2026-31. doi: 10.1182/blood-2002-03-0792.

Abstract

The inefficiency of gene transfer has greatly hindered gene therapy. In vivo selection may increase the frequency of genetically modified cells, thereby circumventing this critical limitation. Here we demonstrate regulated in vivo selection in a large animal. CD34(+) cells from 2 dogs were engineered to express a conditional derivative of the thrombopoietin receptor (F36Vmpl). Activation of the receptor through administration of a dimerizing drug, AP20187, produced reversible, drug-dependent rises in genetically modified red cells, white cells, and platelets in both animals, with minimal side effects. Cell growth switches could greatly enhance the efficacy and applicability of gene and cell therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Antigens, CD34
  • Blood Cell Count
  • Dogs
  • Female
  • Genetic Therapy / methods*
  • Graft Survival / drug effects*
  • Hematopoiesis / drug effects
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation*
  • Hematopoietic Stem Cells / metabolism
  • Models, Animal
  • Neoplasm Proteins*
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics
  • Receptors, Cytokine*
  • Receptors, Thrombopoietin
  • Tacrolimus / administration & dosage
  • Tacrolimus / analogs & derivatives
  • Tacrolimus / pharmacology*
  • Transduction, Genetic

Substances

  • AP20187
  • Antigens, CD34
  • Neoplasm Proteins
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins
  • Receptors, Cytokine
  • Receptors, Thrombopoietin
  • MPL protein, human
  • Tacrolimus