Long-term in vivo transduction of neurons throughout the rat central nervous system using novel helper-dependent CAV-2 vectors

Numerous genetic and environmental causes, variable pathophysiologies, and the blood-brain barrier create a formidable challenge for the study and treatment of neurodegenerative diseases affecting the central nervous system. Although there are many intracellular strategies to address neurodegeneration, for example, which transgene to use, one fundamental criterion for the long-term survival of neurons may be their genetic modification. Here, we describe the generation and in vivo efficacy of helper-dependent canine adenovirus (CAV-2) vectors that preferentially transduced neurons and efficiently trafficked via axonal retrograde transport. We used a flexible strategy and the synergy between Cre/loxP and nonlethal packaging-defective helper vectors to generate high titer helper-dependent vector stocks. One year after striatal injections in the rat brain, we found stable, high-level expression in striatal neurons, similar to50% of the dopaminergic neurons of the substantia nigra, and the cholinergic neurons in the basal nuclei of Meynert. Due to the intrinsic properties of helper-dependent CAV-2 vectors (27-kb cloning capacity; low preexisting, innate, and induced immunogenicity; retrograde transport; and long-term transgene expression), they will aid fundamental and applied studies in neurobiology. Moreover, helper-dependent CAV-2 vectors may be clinically relevant for the treatment of many neurodegenerative diseases.