Gene/Cell Therapy Approaches for Immune Dysregulation Polyendocrinopathy Enteropathy X-Linked Syndrome

Title:Gene/Cell Therapy Approaches for Immune Dysregulation Polyendocrinopathy Enteropathy X-Linked Syndrome

Volume: 14 Issue: 6

Author(s): Laura Passerini, Francesca R. Santoni de Sio, Matthew H. Porteus and Rosa Bacchetta

Affiliation:

Keywords: Autoimmunity, cell therapy, Forkhead box P3, gene correction, Immune dysregulation Polyendocrinopathy Enteropathy X-linked syndrome, lentiviral vector, regulatory T cells.

Abstract: Immune dysregulation, Polyendocrinopathy, Enteropathy, X-linked (IPEX) syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease due to mutations in the gene encoding for Forkhead box P3 (FOXP3), a transcription factor fundamental for the function of thymus-derived (t) regulatory T (Treg) cells. The dysfunction of Treg cells results in the development of devastating autoimmune manifestations affecting multiple organs, eventually leading to premature death in infants, if not promptly treated by hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Novel gene therapy strategies can be developed for IPEX syndrome as more definitive cure than allogeneic HSCT. Here we describe the therapeutic approaches, alternative to HSCT, currently under development. We described that effector T cells can be converted in regulatory T cells by LVmediated FOXP3-gene transfer in differentiated T lymphocytes. Despite FOXP3 mutations mainly affect a highly specific T cell subset, manipulation of stem cells could be required for long-term remission of the disease. Therefore, we believe that a more comprehensive strategy should aim at correcting FOXP3-mutated stem cells. Potentials and hurdles of both strategies will be highlighted here.

Cite this article as:

Passerini Laura, Sio R. Santoni de Francesca, Porteus H. Matthew and Bacchetta Rosa, Gene/Cell Therapy Approaches for Immune Dysregulation Polyendocrinopathy Enteropathy X-Linked Syndrome, Current Gene Therapy 2014; 14 (6) . https://dx.doi.org/10.2174/1566523214666141001123828