Target cells in cardiovascular gene therapy include:
Endothelial cell central therapeutic target cardiovascular gene therapy because monolayer regulates vascular homeostasis via eNOS converting L-arginine to nitric oxide stimulating soluble guanylate cyclase raising cGMP relaxing smooth muscle, prostacyclin via COX2 inhibiting platelet aggregation, barrier integrity VE-cadherin junctions, leukocyte adhesion E-selectin VCAM1. Dysfunction oxidative stress uncoupling eNOS drives atherosclerosis hypertension ischemia. Ischemic peripheral artery disease refractory angina benefit proangiogenic factors VEGF-A165, FGF4, HGF, HIF1-alpha delivered AAV1 or
Ref: Circ Res Cardiovascular Gene Therapy Endothelial Targets 2022; NHLBI Vascular Gene Therapy Overview; Lodish Vascular Biology Endothelial Function Chap 22.
