Gene Therapy of Autoimmune Diseases [recurso electrónico] / by Gérald J. Prud'homme.

Gene Therapy Approaches for Autoimmune Diseases of the Central Nervous System and Other Tissues -- Gene Therapeutics in Autoimmune Diabetes -- Immunogene Therapy with Nonviral Vectors -- Targeting Antigen-Specific T Cells for Gene Therapy of Autoimmune Disease -- Therapeutic Gene Transfer for Rheumatoid Arthritis -- Gene Therapy-Based Approach for Immune Tolerance Induction Using Recombinant Immunoglobulin Carriers -- DNA Vaccination against Autoimmune Diseases.

Autoimmune diseases are diverse and responsible for considerable morbidity. Their etiology remains largely unknown, and current therapy with anti-inflammatory drugs is prone to adverse effects, and rarely curative. New therapies with anti-cytokine antibodies or receptors are promising, but require frequent administration of expensive protein drugs. Gene Therapy of Autoimmune Diseases comprehensively reviews research in gene therapy for autoimmune diseases with viral or non-viral vectors. Gene therapy offers the possibility of long-term, continuous delivery of a wide variety of immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, or tolerance-inducing agents. Moreover, highly specific genetically modified cells can be produced. This book discusses the most promising avenues in this exciting new field.