Design and application of HSV vectors for neuroprotection

Herpes simplex virus has been extensively genetically modified for gene tra nsfer to nerve and other tissues, to create vectors that are devoid of vira l gene expression and toxicity. Recombinant vectors have been engineered to express genes which protect neurons against toxic insults resulting in cel l death, including nerve growth factor (NGF) and anti-apopiotic genes (eg b cl-2). This review describes experiments using HSV vectors expressing these gene products and their potential protective role in ameliorating neurodeg enerative processes in animal model systems.