Herpes simplex virus type 1-mediated transfer of neurotrophin-3 stimulates survival of chicken auditory sensory neurons

• Published in: Neuroscience letters Vol. 321; no. 3; pp. 149 - 152
• Main Authors: Carnicero, Estela, Knipper, Marlies, Tan, Justin, Alonso, Maria Teresa, Schimmang, Thomas
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Shannon Elsevier Ireland Ltd 22.03.2002; Elsevier
• Subjects: Animals; Biological and medical sciences; Cell Differentiation - genetics; Cell Survival - genetics; Cells, Cultured; Chick Embryo; Chicken; Cochlea; Ear and associated structures. Auditory pathways and centers. Hearing. Vocal organ. Phonation. Sound production. Echolocation; Fundamental and applied biological sciences. Psychology; Gene transfer; Gene Transfer Techniques; Genetic Vectors - genetics; Genetic Vectors - therapeutic use; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural - physiopathology; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural - prevention & control; Hearing Loss, Sensorineural - therapy; Herpesvirus 1, Human - genetics; Nerve Degeneration - physiopathology; Nerve Degeneration - prevention & control; Nerve Degeneration - therapy; Neurons, Afferent - cytology; Neurons, Afferent - metabolism; Neurotrophin 3 - genetics; Neurotrophin 3 - metabolism; Neurotrophin 3 - therapeutic use; Ototoxicity; Spiral Ganglion - cytology; Spiral Ganglion - embryology; Spiral Ganglion - growth & development; Tubulin - metabolism; Vertebrates: nervous system and sense organs; Cochlea; Chicken; Gene transfer; Ototoxicity; Neurotrophin; Toxicity; Herpesviridae; Alphaherpesvirinae; Survival; Inner ear; Organ of hearing; Genetic transfer; Virus; Vertebrata; Herpesvirus hominis 1; Sensory neuron; Aves
• ISSN: 0304-3940; 1872-7972
• DOI: 10.1016/S0304-3940(01)02501-0

Neurotrophin-3 (NT-3) is one of the most potent stimulators for survival of auditory sensory neurons. Viral transfer of neurotrophins into auditory neurons may offer a route to provide a permanent supply of the growth factor and guarantee their long-term survival. Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1)-based vectors have demonstrated their effectiveness to transfer genes into peripheral sensory neurons. In the present report, we have produced a HSV-1-based amplicon vector expressing NT-3. This vector efficiently infects isolated auditory neurons and stimulates their survival during distinct developmental stages of the inner ear. Therefore, this vector may present a unique entry point to develop therapies preventing or treating hearing impairment caused by the degeneration of auditory neurons.