Issue Archive

HSV gene transfer in the treatment of chronic pain

David J. Fink^*, Marina Mata

University of Michigan and VA Ann Arbor Healthcare System, Ann Arbor Michigan 48109, USA

Abstract

It has proven difficult to use systemic administration of small molecules to selectively modulate nociception. Over the pastdecade, we and others have developed non-replicating herpes simplex virus (HSV)-based vectors to treat chronic pain. Subcutaneousinoculation of an HSV vector effectively transduces sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglion; release of transgene-coded inhibitoryneurotransmitters or anti-inflammatory peptides reduces pain-related behaviors in rodent models of chronic inflammatory and neuropathicpain. A phase 1 trial of this therapy in patients is set to begin soon.

Key words: gene therapy; herpes simplex virus; pain; enkephalin; GABA; cytokines

Received: 　　Accepted:

Corresponding author: David J. Fink　　E-mail: djfink@umich.edu

Citing This Article：

David J. Fink, Marina Mata. HSV gene transfer in the treatment of chronic pain. Acta Physiol Sin 2008; 60 (5): 616 (in Chinese with English abstract).