Light activated gene transduction for cell targeted gene delivery in the spinal column

Abstract

In accordance with the present invention, methods and structures are provided for the treatment of functional spinal unit injuries through the use of light activated gene therapy to induce bone fusion through the introduction of a desired gene into a patient's spinal tissue. Methods and structures are also provided for the utilization of ultraviolet light activated gene therapy to repair/rebuild an injured intervertebral disc through the introduction of a desired gene into a patient's spinal tissue. An implant system including a light probe and an implant with which r-AAV is integrated is also provided.

1 . A gene therapy system for increasing the transduction of an ultraviolet light activated viral vector in a patient's spinal tissue comprising: 
 a power source;    a light source producing an ultraviolet light beam, the light source being powered by the power source;    a light delivery cable;    an optical coupler for guiding the light beam into the light delivery cable;    a timed shutter in line with the light beam;    a user interface for controlling the shutter;    a light probe which receives the light beam from the light delivery cable, the light probe being configured to output the light beam proximate to the target cells in a patient's spine in order to increase the transduction of the ultraviolet light activated viral vector; and    an optical connector for connecting the light delivery cable to the light probe.    
   
   
       2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the vector is recombinant adeno-associated virus (r-AAV).  
   
   
       3 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the light source is a laser.  
   
   
       4 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the light source is a lamp.  
   
   
       5 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the light source is configured to output light having a wavelength from 255 nm to 400 nm.  
   
   
       6 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the light source is configured to output light having a wavelength of about 325 nm.  
   
   
       7 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the light source is configured to output light having a wavelength from about 280 nm to about 330 nm.  
   
   
       8 . The system of  claim 5 , wherein the light source is a helium cadmium laser.  
   
   
       9 . The system of  claim 1 , further comprising a spinal implant to which recombinant adeno-associated virus (r-AAV) is integrated.