Abstract
This article provides an evidence-based personal perspective on the future of cell and gene therapy for degenerative diseases of the intervertebral disc. This paper focuses on how mammalian protein production platforms, transfected and irradiated protein packaging cell lines may be used as “cellular factories” for over-production of therapeutic proteins and pro-anabolic growth factors, particularly in the context of regenerative therapies. This paper also speculates on future opportunities and challenges in this area of research and how new innovations in biotechnology will impact on the field of cell and gene therapy for degenerative diseases that affect articular cartilage in the synovial joint and IVD in the spine and the broader disciplines of tissue engineering and regenerative medicine. Mammalian protein production platforms are likely to have a significant impact on degenerative diseases that are amenable to cell and gene therapy using therapeutic proteins and growth factors. Future cell and gene therapy for the spine will need to consider the harsh reality that primary, aged and senescent cells will possess feeble regenerative properties. Regenerative and tissue engineering strategies for intervertebral disc and spine should seriously consider the use of mammalian protein production platforms to drive the production of therapeutic proteins and growth factors.
Original language | English |
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Journal | Neurosurgery Clinics of North America |
Publication status | Accepted/In press - 9 Aug 2019 |
Keywords
- Low Back Pain (LBP)
- Spine degeneration
- Cell therapy
- Gene therapy
- Mammalian protein production platforms
- Protein packaging cell lines
- Growth factors
- Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β)
- Growth differentiation factor 6 (GDF6)