It has proven difficult to use systemic administration of small molecules to selectively modulate nociception. Over the past decade, we and others have developed non-replicating herpes simplex virus (HSV)-based vectors to treat chronic pain. Subcutaneous inoculation of an HSV vector effectively transduces sensory neurons in the dorsal root ganglion; release of transgene-coded inhibitory neurotransmitters or anti-inflammatory peptides reduces pain-related behaviors in rodent models of chronic inflammatory and neuropathic pain. A phase 1 trial of this therapy in patients is set to begin soon.
Animals ; Chronic Pain ; therapy ; Disease Models, Animal ; Ganglia, Spinal ; cytology ; Gene Transfer Techniques ; Genetic Vectors ; Humans ; Neuralgia ; therapy ; Neurons, Afferent ; cytology ; Simplexvirus