SOMATIC GENE-THERAPY - METHODS FOR THE PRESENT AND FUTURE

Somatic gene therapy involves the introduction of novel genetic materi al into somatic cells to express therapeutic gene products. This emerg ing technology holds great promise for the treatment of both inherited and acquired diseases. This review summarizes the principles of gene therapy and approaches that are being investigated in experimental ani mals and clinical trials. These include the construction of recombinan t viruses capable of carrying genes into cells by the process of infec tion as well as the use of DNA molecules that are capable of being use d like conventional medicines. Some methods for gene therapy lead to p ermanent insertion of genes into targeted cells, while others are desi gned to express a therapeutic product with a defined half-life and dur ation of action. The goal is to establish site-specific and regulated expression of therapeutic products. The demonstrated safety and public acceptance of initial clinical trials will lead to widespread investi gation of applications in both medicine and surgery in the near future .