Potentialities of gene therapy in pediatric endocrinology

Abstract

Gene therapy has become an appealing therapeutic option in many pediatric fields including endocrinology. Unlike traditional drugs based on molecules that require repeated and frequently burdensome administrations, a single genetic therapeutic intervention may allow durable and curative clinical benefits. Although this highly innovative technology holds great promise for the treatment of monogenic diseases, its clinical application in the field of endocrinology has been so far challenging. In this review we will discuss various ex vivo and in vivo approaches and potential application of gene addition and gene editing approaches for treating hyperfunctional and hypofunctional endocrine diseases due to intrinsic defects or autoimmune origin. We will focus on the recent advances in gene therapy approaches aimed at treating type 1 diabetes and monogenic forms of endocrinopathies such as growth hormone deficiency, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, diabetes insipidus, IPEX, as well as their trends and future directions.