Strategies for local gene therapy of corneal allograft rejection

Middle East Afr J Ophthalmol. 2013 Jan-Mar;20(1):11-25. doi: 10.4103/0974-9233.106382.

Abstract

Penetrating keratoplasty is the most common type of tissue transplant in humans. Irreversible immune rejection leads to loss of vision and graft failure. This complex immune response further predisposes future corneal transplants to rejection and failure. A diverse armamentarium of surgical and pharmacologic tools is available to improve graft survival. In this review, we will discuss the various gene therapeutic strategies aimed at potentiating the anterior chamber-associated immune deviation to extend graft survival.

Keywords: Adenovirus; Corneal Transplant; Dendrimer; Gene Therapy; Immune Privilege; Neovascularization; Plasmid; Rejection.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Allografts
  • Genetic Therapy / methods*
  • Graft Rejection / immunology
  • Graft Rejection / therapy*
  • Graft Survival / immunology
  • Humans
  • Keratoplasty, Penetrating*