Gene therapy in inherited retinal degenerative diseases, a review

Ophthalmic Genet. 2018 Oct;39(5):560-568. doi: 10.1080/13816810.2018.1495745. Epub 2018 Jul 24.

Abstract

Hereditary diseases of the retina represent a group of diseases with several heterogeneous mutations that have the common end result of progressive photoreceptor death leading to blindness. Retinal degenerations encompass multifactorial diseases such as age-related macular degeneration, Leber congenital amaurosis, Stargardt disease, and retinitis pigmentosa. Although there is currently no cure for degenerative retinal diseases, ophthalmology has been at the forefront of the development of gene therapy, which offers hope for the treatment of these conditions. This article will explore an overview of the clinical trials of gene supplementation therapy for retinal diseases that are underway or planned for the near future.

Keywords: Adeno-associated virus; gene therapy; inherited retinal diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Genetic Predisposition to Disease*
  • Genetic Therapy*
  • Genetic Vectors / administration & dosage*
  • Humans
  • Retinal Degeneration / genetics
  • Retinal Degeneration / therapy*