Ocular gene therapy is rapidly becoming a reality. By November 2012, approximately 28 clinical trials were approved to assess novel gene therapy agents.
Viral infections such as
herpetic keratitis caused by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) can cause serious complications that may lead to
blindness. Recurrence of the disease is likely and
cornea transplantation, therefore, might not be the ideal therapeutic
solution. This paper will focus on the current situation of ocular gene therapy research against
herpetic keratitis, including the use of viral and nonviral vectors, routes of delivery of therapeutic genes, new techniques, and key research strategies. Whereas the correction of inherited diseases was the initial goal of the field of gene therapy, here we discuss transgene expression, gene replacement, silencing, or clipping. Gene therapy of
herpetic keratitis previously reported in the literature is screened emphasizing candidate gene therapy targets. Commonly adopted strategies are discussed to assess the relative advantages of the protective
therapy using
antiviral drugs and the common gene therapy against long-term HSV-1
ocular infections signs,
inflammation and neovascularization. Successful gene therapy can provide innovative physiological and
pharmaceutical solutions against
herpetic keratitis.