Implantation of Vascular Grafts Lined with Genetically Modified Endothelial Cells

TLDR

This technology may aid treatment of atherosclerosis and enable novel drug delivery systems. The study explored using vascular endothelial cells as targets for gene replacement therapy. Endothelial cells from mongrel dogs were transduced with a lacZ‑expressing retrovirus and seeded onto prosthetic grafts, which were then implanted as carotid interposition grafts in the donor dogs. Five weeks post‑implantation, the graft luminal surface was lined with the genetically modified endothelial cells.

Abstract

The possibility of using the vascular endothelial cell as a target for gene replacement therapy was explored. Recombinant retroviruses were used to transduce the lacZ gene into endothelial cells harvested from mongrel dogs. Prosthetic vascular grafts seeded with the genetically modified cells were implanted as carotid interposition grafts into the dogs from which the original cells were harvested. Analysis of the graft 5 weeks after implantation revealed genetically modified endothelial cells lining the luminal surface of the graft. This technology could be used in the treatment of atherosclerosis disease and the design of new drug delivery systems.