Pre-clinical studies of retrovirally transduced human chondrocytes expressing transforming growth factor-beta-1 (TG-C)

AbstractBackground aims. The aim was to evaluate cartilage regeneration in animal models involving induced knee joint damage. Through cell-mediated gene therapy methods, a cell mixture comprising a 3:1 ratio of genetically unmodified human chondrocytes and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1)-secreting human chondrocytes (TG-C), generated via retroviral transduction, resulted in successful cartilage proliferation in damaged regions. Methods. Non-clinical toxicology assessments for efficacy, biodistribution and local/systemic toxicity of single intra-articular administration of the cell mixture in mice, rabbits and goats was conducted. Results. Administration of the mixture was tolerated well in all of the species. There was evidence of cartilage proliferation in rabbits and goats. As an additional precautionary step, the efficacy of TGF-β1 secretion in irradiated human chondrocytes was also demonstrated. Conclusions. Four studies in rabbits and goats demonstrated the safety and efficacy of TG-C foll...