Researchers at SR-Tiget in Milan have discovered a critical post-birth window for gene therapy targeting blood stem cells, presenting an alternative to conventional treatments.
Their in vivo approach involves directly administering lentiviral vectors into the bloodstream of newborn mice, leveraging the abundance of hematopoietic cells for gene transfer.
Dr. Michela Milani highlighted the significance of this method, utilizing the natural migration of stem cells to enable genetic alterations without extensive processing.
Mouse models with genetic disorders like ADA-SCID and Fanconi anemia showed therapeutic benefits from in vivo gene transfer, preventing bone marrow failure.
By employing mobilizing agents and optimizing vectors, the team enhanced gene transfer efficiency and extended the treatment window to older mice.
The discovery of circulating HSPCs in newborn humans reinforces the potential for in vivo gene therapy to be applicable in human populations.
The distinct responsiveness of young stem cells to gene transfer highlights the need for further exploration into mechanisms governing this process for potential translation to older individuals.
SR-Tiget's research offers a groundbreaking approach to genetic blood disorders, emphasizing timing and stem cell properties for improved therapeutic outcomes.
This study signifies a significant advancement in gene therapy and may revolutionize treatment standards for patients with genetic abnormalities.
The findings hold promise for enhancing gene therapy accessibility and efficacy in addressing a range of genetic blood disorders in both animal models and potentially in human neonates.