Adenovirus-mediated gene expression in vivo is enhanced by the antiapoptotic Bcl-2 gene

An adenovirus vector encoding the human Bcl-2 gene (hBcl-2) was derived. In vivo expression of hBcl-2 in murine livers enhanced and prolonged adenovir us-mediated gene expression. Furthermore, in the hBcl-2-treated group a sig nificant reduction in the apoptosis induced by the adenovirus vector was ob served. Thus, the cytoprotection of the vector-infected cells with antiapop totic genes appears promising for successful in vivo gene therapy.