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Vaccines against dangerous pathogens.

Dangerous pathogens are defined by the UK Health and Safety Executive's advisory committee as category 3 (those which cause severe human disease for which prophylaxis or therapy is usually available) or category 4 (as for category 3, but for which prophylaxis or therapy is not available). Research and development of vaccines for such pathogens is challenging, due to the safety constraints in the manipulation of these pathogens. This chapter discusses the various approaches which can be taken to develop candidate vaccines for these pathogens, including the potential impact of genome sequencing on shortening the time required for R&D. For these pathogens, a direct test of the efficacy of the candidate vaccines in man is not ethical and, therefore, particular emphasis is placed on the demonstration of efficacy in animal models. Emphasis is also placed on the derivation of surrogate markers of efficacy and a demonstration that these correlate with protection in the animal model.

Animals↗

Adeno-associated virus vectors for gene therapy.

Adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV) is a non-pathogenic DNA virus which has been utilized as a eukaryotic gene transfer vector in vitro and in vivo. AAV possesses a unique set of characteristics which may make it useful for human gene therapy. AAV infection does not require host cell proliferation, although expression from AAV vectors may exhibit a relative preference for actively dividing cells. Both wild-type AAV and AAV vectors tend to persist in infected cells for prolonged periods of time, without any significant adverse consequences for the host. Wild-type AAV integrates frequently in one specific region of chromosome 19, whereas rep-deleted AAV vectors integrate in a less specific fashion in the host cell genome and may also persist in an episomal state. AAV vectors have been used to transduce a wide range of cell types in vitro including respiratory epithelial cells as well as bone marrow and lymphocyte-derived cells. As a prelude to AAV-based gene therapy for cystic fibrosis (CF), in vivo transduction and expression in the lungs has been observed in rodents and non-human primates after direct delivery to the airway surface, without any detectable toxicity. Based on these findings, the National Institutes of Health Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee (RAC) has recently approved a phase I human trial of CF gene therapy using an AAV vector.

Animals↗

The blossoming of bioethics at NIH.

The establishment of the Department of Clinical Bioethics at the Warren G. Magnuson Clinical Center of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has coincided with a burgeoning of interest and activity related to bioethical issues at NIH. The department has precipitated a reexamination and revitalization of existing bioethics activities in the Clinical Center and has launched new programs especially in the areas of education and research. In addition, the department contributes to the work of others throughout NIH who address bioethical issues.

Academies and Institutes↗

12th annual congress of the European Society of Gene Therapy.

The 2004 European Society of Gene Therapy (ESGT) meeting took place at Tampere Hall in Finland and highlighted advances in a variety of topics, including cancer, zinc-fingers, stem cells, small interfering RNA (siRNA), microRNA, and recent developments of non-viral and viral vectors. This meeting was attended by 513 participants from 32 countries, and included 106 oral and 224 poster presentations. One of the aims of this meeting was to take a critical look at gene therapy and the prospects for the future. Se-veral presentations reported on RNA-based technologies, such as siRNA, as potential new classes of therapeutics against a wide range of diseases and for use in expression libraries to identify functional genes involved in biological phenotypes. Critical assessments were made of other aspects of gene therapy, such as genome editing and the use of protein transduction domains (PTDs) in gene- and protein-based therapies, where many researchers have failed to reproduce initial findings reported in the literature. Safety issues related to viral vectors were also important areas of discussion, especially following details released by the UK Gene Therapy Advisory Committee of perhaps the first known case of lentiviral vector-associated oncogenesis. Finally, updates were presented on the clinical development of viral vectors in anticancer therapies with evidence of significant improvements in the mean survival of patients.

Clinical Trials as Topic↗

The issue of sex selection in Turkey.

In accordance with a recent decision of the High Health Council, which is the highest advisory Council of the Ministry of Health, and following 6 months of debate, the clinical application of sex selection methods when there are no medical indications has been restricted in Turkey. The participants of the debate were the Turkish counterparts of Dr R.J. Ericsson, who is the owner of the patent of the sperm separation method, the General Directorate of Mother and Child Health and Family Planning, the Ethical Committee of the Turkish Medical Association, the Legal Consultancy of the Ministry of Health and the whole community through the press and television programmes. Many reports concerning sex selection were prepared that were opposed to the application of the Ericsson method when there were no medical indications, depending on ethical and technical considerations. The debate also induced ethical discussions about other related subjects, such as recent improvements in reproductive technologies, prenatal diagnosis and the Human Genome Project.

Bioethics↗

euroSCIENCE moves into sixth gear!

Neuroscientists across Europe have been busy finding or consolidating partnerships, and sharpening their e-pencils, as they prepare for the next tranche of research and technology development (RTD) funding to be coordinated by the European Union. Entitled the Sixth Framework Programme, this 16 billion Euro programme is the most ambitious that the European Commission has ever mounted. It covers a broad range of RTD activities, from the very small (nanotechnology and nanosciences) to the very grand (sustainable development, global change and ecosystems). Brain research finds its place at several points in the proposals of the Commission, notably under the heading of "Life Sciences, Genomics and Biotechnology for Health". This includes sub-sections entitled "Studying the brain and combating diseases of the nervous system" and "Studying development and ageing processes". The focus is likely to be on exploiting molecular genetics with respect to neuroscience. Our aim in this short article is to outline some of the novel features of this ambitious program and to touch on certain issues that have been raised about it.

Advisory Committees↗

Quality assurance in human molecular genetics testing: status and recommendations.

OBJECTIVE: The role of genetic testing has expanded with rapidly developing technology and completion of the International Human Genome Project. Development of universally acceptable quality control methods and quality assurance standards trails technology. The principle that high-quality genetic testing is important for public health motivated the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to formulate ways for improving quality assurance of human molecular genetics testing. PARTICIPANTS: Twenty-eight panelists were chosen based on expertise in molecular genetics testing and knowledge of quality assurance practices. Representatives of professional organizations, industries, and federal agencies participated in one or more of 3 panel meetings. Consensus recommendations were developed by the 15 panelists in the third meeting. EVIDENCE: Evidence was derived from experts' opinion during 3 panel meetings. Data compiled through laboratory visits and literature review were used as reference information. Need for this project was derived from the Final Report of the Task Force on Genetic Testing, produced by the National Institutes of Health and the Department of Energy in 1997, and the Summary Report of the Subcommittee Meeting on Genetics of the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Act Advisory Committee in 1997. CONSENSUS PROCESS: Research and development needs were identified using a participatory visioning approach. A modified nominal group process was used to reach consensus. CONCLUSIONS: Five core consensus recommendations were made: research for developing positive samples for quality assurance purposes, performance evaluation programs supplementing those in existence, establishment and support of laboratory-oriented consortia, establishment of a laboratory-focused database, and support of molecular genetics training programs.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, U.S.↗

Phase I evaluation of interleukin-2-transfected irradiated allogeneic melanoma for the treatment of metastatic melanoma: appendix 1: protocol.

A cell line (UISO-H-MEL-2) was established from the neoplastic cells of a patient with malignant melanoma during the natural course of the patient's treatment. The melanoma cells express defined MHC Class I histocompatibility determinants including determinants specified by the HLA-A2 Class I allele, along with a common melanoma-associated T-cell epitope derived from the tyrosinase gene. The gene for human interleukin-2 (IL-2) was transduced into the cells with a provirus (pZipNeoSVIL-2), packaged in GP + envAM12 cells. Integration of the IL-2 gene into genomic DNA of the transduced cells and its expression were established. The IL-2-secreting cell line (UISO-H-MEL-2-IL-2) was found to be free of recombinant retroviruses and other infectious agents. The IL-2-secreting cells will be subjected to 5000 rads X-irradiation and administered to 12 informed patients with metastatic malignant melanoma in a Phase I toxicity study. The dose of X-irradiation was sufficient to inactivate one hundred percent of the cells, but insufficient to completely inhibit IL-2 synthesis during a fourteen-day period of analysis. Patients who have failed all standard forms of treatment will become eligible for inclusion in the study if they develop metastatic melanoma, and if their tumor cells express products of the tyrosinase gene. The patients will differ with the cellular immunogen at no less than three of six MHC Class I alleles, but will share identity at the HLA-A2 Class I allele. The patient's antimelanoma immune response to the injected cells will be determined by both in vivo and in vitro parameters. Background studies performed in inbred mice indicate that X-irradiated IL-2-secreting cells that express both melanoma-associated antigens and allogeneic Class I histocompatibility antigens are more antigenic in terms of their capacity to induce an antimelanoma response than X-irradiated IL-2-secreting melanoma cells. Of significance for the future potential of this form of therapy in melanoma patients, the period of survival of mice was established melanoma treated with the IL-2-secreting allogeneic cells was significantly (P < 0.001) longer than that of untreated animals, or animals treated with X-irradiated melanoma cells. An analogous protocol was reviewed and approved by the Recombinant DNA Advisory Committee of the National Institutes of Health.

Cancer Vaccines↗

The clinical introduction of genetic testing for Alzheimer disease. An ethical perspective.

OBJECTIVE: Primary caregivers should be aware of recent progress in the genetics of Alzheimer disease (AD) and of the clinical and ethical considerations raised regarding the introduction of genetic testing for purposes of disease prediction and susceptibility (risk) analysis in asymptomatic individuals and diagnosis in patients who present clinically with dementia. This statement addresses arguments for and against clinical genetic testing. PARTICIPANTS: The 20 participants were selected by the investigators (S.G.P., T.H.M., A.B.Z., and P.J.W.) to achieve balance in the areas of genetics, counseling, ethics, and public policy, and to include leadership from related consensus projects. The consensus group met twice in closed meetings and carried on extensive correspondence over 2 years (1995-1997). The project was supported by the National Human Genome Research Institute of the National Institutes of Health. EVIDENCE: All 4 involved chromosomes were discussed in group meetings against a background of information from several focus group sessions with AD-affected families. The focus groups comprised volunteers identified by the Cleveland Area Chapter of the Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders Association and represented a variety of ethnic populations. CONSENSUS PROCESS: The first draft was written in April 1996 by the principal investigator (S.G.P.) after the consensus group had met twice. The draft was mailed to all consensus group members 3 times over 6 months for extensive response and redrafting by the principal investigator until all members were satisfied. CONCLUSIONS: Except for autosomal dominant early-onset families, genetic testing in asymptomatic individuals is unwarranted. Use of APOE genetic testing as a diagnostic adjunct in patients already presenting with dementia may prove useful but it remains under investigation. The premature introduction of genetic testing and possible adverse consequences are to be avoided.

Advisory Committees↗

The International Consensus Classification of Mature Lymphoid Neoplasms: a report from the Clinical Advisory Committee.

Since the publication of the Revised European-American Classification of Lymphoid Neoplasms in 1994, subsequent updates of the classification of lymphoid neoplasms have been generated through iterative international efforts to achieve broad consensus among hematopathologists, geneticists, molecular scientists, and clinicians. Significant progress has recently been made in the characterization of malignancies of the immune system, with many new insights provided by genomic studies. They have led to this proposal. We have followed the same process that was successfully used for the third and fourth editions of the World Health Organization Classification of Hematologic Neoplasms. The definition, recommended studies, and criteria for the diagnosis of many entities have been extensively refined. Some categories considered provisional have now been upgraded to definite entities. Terminology for some diseases has been revised to adapt nomenclature to the current knowledge of their biology, but these modifications have been restricted to well-justified situations. Major findings from recent genomic studies have impacted the conceptual framework and diagnostic criteria for many disease entities. These changes will have an impact on optimal clinical management. The conclusions of this work are summarized in this report as the proposed International Consensus Classification of mature lymphoid, histiocytic, and dendritic cell tumors.

Advisory Committees↗