Light activated gene transduction using long wavelength ultraviolet light for cell targeted gene delivery

Abstract

In accordance with the present invention, methods are provided for treating a patient through the use of ultraviolet light activated gene therapy. Embodiments of the present invention include methods for the utilization of light activated gene therapy to repair and/or rebuild damaged cartilage by introducing a desired gene into a patient's tissue.

1 - 75 . (canceled) 
   
   
       76 . A method of therapeutically increasing transduction of a viral vector comprising:
 administering an adeno associated viral vector to a target cell in a subject; and   exposing the target cell to ultraviolet light having a wavelength from 320 nm to 400 nm, wherein the ultraviolet light is applied at a therapeutic dose, and wherein the dose is at least 500 J/m 2 , thereby therapeutically increasing transduction of the viral vector in the target cell.   
   
   
       77 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the dose is at least 1,000 J/m 2 . 
   
   
       78 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the vector comprises a gene. 
   
   
       79 . The method of  claim 78 , wherein the gene encodes a growth factor. 
   
   
       80 . The method of  claim 78 , wherein the gene encodes a bone morphogenetic protein. 
   
   
       81 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the wavelength is 365 mm. 
   
   
       82 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the target cell is a mesenchymal cell. 
   
   
       83 . The method of  claim 76 , wherein the ultraviolet light does not include ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 254 nm. 
   
   
       84 . A method of promoting tissue repair, said method comprising:
 administering an adeno associated viral vector to a target cell in a tissue, wherein said adeno associated viral vector comprises a gene that promotes tissue repair; and   exposing the target cell to a wavelength of ultraviolet light consisting of at least one wavelength of UVA light, thereby increasing transduction of the gene, wherein the target cell is exposed to a dose of at least 500 J/m 2  of the at least one wavelength of UVA light.   
   
   
       85 . The method of  claim 84 , wherein the dose is at least 1,000 J/m 2 . 
   
   
       86 . The method of  claim 84 , wherein the gene encodes a growth factor. 
   
   
       87 . The method of  claim 86 , wherein the gene encodes a bone morphogenetic protein. 
   
   
       88 . The method of  claim 86 , wherein the wavelength is 365 nm. 
   
   
       89 . The method of  claim 84 , wherein the target cell is a mesenchymal cell. 
   
   
       90 . A method of increasing transduction of a viral vector without the use of a DNA damaging agent to drive said increase in transduction, said method comprising:
 administering an adeno associated viral vector to a target cell; and   irradiating the target cell with at least one wavelength of ultraviolet light, wherein the wavelength of the ultraviolet light is selected from a wavelength consisting of a wavelength from 320 nm to 400 nm, thereby increasing transduction of the viral vector in the target cell without the use of a DNA damaging agent.   
   
   
       91 . The method of  claim 90 , wherein the ultraviolet light is administered at a dose of at least 1,000 J/m 2 . 
   
   
       92 . The method of  claim 90 , wherein the vector comprises a gene. 
   
   
       93 . The method of  claim 92 , wherein the gene encodes a growth factor protein. 
   
   
       94 . The method of  claim 92 , wherein the gene encodes a bone morphogenetic protein. 
   
   
       95 . The method of  claim 90 , wherein the wavelength is 365 μm. 
   
   
       96 . The method of  claim 90 , wherein the target cell is a mesenchymal cell.