Berraondo Pedro, Crettaz Julien, Ochoa Laura, Pañeda Astrid, Prieto Jesús, Trocóniz Iñaki F, González-Aseguinolaza Gloria
Laboratory of Gene Therapy of Viral Hepatitis, Division of Gene Therapy and Hepatology, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, 31080 Pamplona, Navarra, Spain.
Hum Gene Ther. 2006 Jun;17(6):601-10. doi: 10.1089/hum.2006.17.601.
The liver is an attractive organ for gene therapy because of its important role in many inherited and acquired diseases. Recombinant adeno-associated viruses (rAAVs) have been shown to be good candidates for liver gene delivery, leading to long-term gene expression. We evaluated the influence of the route of administration on rAAV-mediated liver transduction by comparing levels of luciferase expression in the livers of male and female mice after injection of rAAV serotype 2, using three different routes of administration: intravenous (IV), intraportal (IP), or direct intrahepatic (IH) injection. To determine transgene expression we used a noninvasive optical bioluminescence imaging system that allowed long-term in vivo analysis. After IV injection dramatic differences in liver transgene expression were observed, depending on gender. When IP injection was used the differences were reduced although they were still significant. Interestingly, direct intrahepatic injection of rAAV vectors was associated with the fastest and strongest onset of luciferase expression. Moreover, no gender differences in liver transduction were observed and luciferase expression was confined to the site of injection. Thus, direct intrahepatic injection of rAAV offers specific advantages, which support the potential of this route of administration for future clinical applications.
