Genetically engineered human IgG (immunosuppressant monoclonal antibody binds specifically to a-chain of IL2 receptor) used to lower the rate of rejection phenomenon in kidney transplant recipients.
Through DNA recombinant technology, bacteria are induced to produce hormones like insulin and growth hormone and enzymes like L – asparaginase.
Gene therapy
Gene therapy means prevention or treatment of diseases through manipulation of gene function. It is done by insertion of specific genes (therapeutic genes) exogenously into the animal cells.
It involves replacing the defective gene or supplementation to a nonfunctional gene or suppression of an abnormal gene.
Recombination DNA technology forms the basis of synthesis of therapeutic genes.
Gene delivery into host is highly complicated and different from that of conventional drug delivery systems.
The process involves inserting a therapeutic gene first into a vector (Viral vectors: Retro – or Adenoviruses or Nonviral Vectors: Liposomes, microspheres and plasmid DNA).
A vector with the gene is then introduced into the patient through either in vivo or ex vivo means.
The in vivo method involves injecting the suspension of the vector having the therapeutic gene intravenously or into the target tissue/ organ.
The ex vivo method involves first inserting the therapeutic gene into stem cells obtained from the patient ( blood or bone marrow) and inject the same into the patient.
Gene therapy is currently aimed at treatment of diseases not responding to conventional drug therapy, such as inherited metabolic diseases through either correction of a deficiency or blockade of an abnormal metabolic reaction.
It is also applied to induce synthesis of a deficient protein in the host’s cells and treatment of a variety of cancers (melanoma, renal carcinoma, lung cancer, cystic fibrosis etc) certain immune deficiencies and infectious diseases ( like HIV).
