ADENOVIRAL GENE-TRANSFER - AN ALTERNATIVE IMMUNOTHERAPY IN PERIPHERALXENOTRANSPLANTATION

In this model of isolated limb perfusion the persistence and distribut ion of adenoviral vectors were evaluated. Following perfusion for 90 m inutes in muscle tissue intensity of gene expression of a beta-galakto sidase marker gene was found to be highest after 48 hours. The persist ence of the gene could be shown for 21 days. Although nerve tissues de monstrated a lower transfection rate there were still 79% positive for the control vector. The widespread of gene expression could be shown in all tissues with a maximum in and around the vessles. The insertion of sequences in the vascular system and muscles by adenoviral vectors encoding for immunomodulating cytokines, inhibitory proteins or monoc lonal antibodies might improve the results of xenotransplantation.