2022 journal article

Therapeutic Applications of Adeno-Associated Virus (AAV) Gene Transfer of HLA-G in the Eye

International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

By: B. Gilger n & M. Hirsch*

author keywords: AAV; HLA-G; dry eye; ocular graft vs; host disease; corneal transplant rejection; uveitis; gene therapy
MeSH headings : Animals; Choroidal Neovascularization / genetics; Dependovirus / genetics; Genetic Therapy; Genetic Vectors / genetics; HLA-G Antigens / genetics
Source: ORCID
Added: March 28, 2022

The purpose of this paper is to review human leukocyte antigen G (HLA-G) in the eye, its role in immune tolerance, and the potential therapeutic use of AAV gene transfer and expression of HLA-G in various ocular tissues. Several studies are reviewed that demonstrate efficacy in animal models of disease, including intracorneal delivery of AAV-HLA-G to treat corneal inflammation and prevent corneal graft rejection, subconjunctival injection of AAV-HLA-G for ocular graft vs. host disease and potentially dry eye disease, and intravitreal injection of AAV-HLA-G to inhibit uveitis. Furthermore, due to the anti-vascular function of HLA-G, AAV-HLA-G may be an effective therapy for posterior ocular diseases, such as neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and choroidal neovascularization. Therefore, AAV-mediated gene transfer of HLA-G may be an effective treatment for common immune-mediated, inflammatory, and neovascular diseases of the eye.