GENE-THERAPY FOR HIV-INFECTION

The ultimate goal of gene theray for HIV-I is to inhibit viral replica tion and the resultant AIDS pathogenesis. Gene therapy for HIV-1 requi res the introduction of genes that effectively inhibit viral replicati on by blocking expression of viral genes or altering the normal functi on of HIV-1 associated proteins. This review details the various anti- HIV-1 gene therapy strategies that have been developed to effectively inhibit HIV-1 replication. The review covers three broad categories: i ) gene tehrapy using nucleic acid moieties such as gene vaccines, anti sense DNA/RNA, RNA decoys, and ribozymes; ii) protein approaches such as trans-dominant negative proteins and single chain antibodies; and i ii) immunotherapy using HIV-1 specific cytotoxic T cells. The discussi on focuses on the effectiveness of the various techniques in preclinic al experiments and in animal models. Also, the status of all of the cu rrent RAC/FDA approved clinical protocols for anti-HIV-1 gene therapy strategies is reviewed.