Image-Guided Convective Delivery of AAV Vectors

Objective/Rationale:
Gene transfer technology holds promise to permanently alter the natural course of PD. However, in order for this technology to work there is a critical need for safe, reproducible brain administration of viral vectors. We are exploring co-infusion into the brain of a viral vector (AAV2) along with an MRI contrast reagent to track the movement of AAV2 in real time. We want to show that the pattern of distribution of the contrast reagent matches the distribution of the gene therapy product, in this case the growth factor, GDNF. If so, then we can monitor infusions of AAV2 with intra-operative MRI.
Project Description: 
Non-human primates will receive striatal infusions of AAV2-GDNF along with MRI contrast reagent. We will compare the volume of distribution of the contrast reagent calculated by MRI with the volume of AAV2 vector and then GDNF distribution calculated from immunohistochemical analysis of the pattern of GDNF expression. We expect that there will be a fixed relationship between these parameters. We will also be testing a new MRI-compatible infusion cannula to determine whether it is safe to use in the primate brain. Tests will be conducted to assess whether the cannula causes any overt tissue damage.
Relevance to Diagnosis/Treatment of Parkinson’s Disease: 
Gene therapy holds great promise for the treatment of PD, particularly with respect to the use of the growth factor, GDNF, because it has previously been shown to ameliorate PD symptoms. By delivering an engineered virus that carries the GDNF gene into the striatum, local neurons can be instructed to make GDNF. But this technology depends critically on accurate and predictable targeting of the virus to the correct regions of the brain.
Anticipated Outcome: 
We expect that the data we collect will be used to compile an Investigational New Drug Application for MRI-monitored AAV2-GDNF infusion into the striatum for the treatment of PD.