Ocular delivery of Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor (PEDF) as a neuroprotectant for Geographic Atrophy

Aging Dis. 2024 Oct 1;15(5):2003-2007. doi: 10.14336/AD.2024.0216-1.

Abstract

Geographic atrophy (GA) is an advanced form of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), that starts with atrophic lesions in the outer retina that expand to cover the macula and fovea, leading to severe vision loss over time. Pigment Epithelium-Derived Factor (PEDF) has a diverse-range of properties, including its ability to promote cell survival, reduce inflammation, inhibit angiogenesis, combat oxidative stress, regulate autophagy, and stimulate anti-apoptotic pathways, making it a promising therapeutic candidate for GA. However, the relatively short half-life of PEDF protein has precluded its potential as a clinical therapy for GA since it would require frequent injections. Therefore, we describe administration of a PEDF gene, comparing and contrasting delivery routes, viral and non-viral vectors, and consider the critical challenges for PEDF as a neuroprotectant for GA.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Eye Proteins* / administration & dosage
  • Eye Proteins* / genetics
  • Eye Proteins* / metabolism
  • Eye Proteins* / pharmacology
  • Eye Proteins* / therapeutic use
  • Genetic Therapy / methods
  • Genetic Vectors / administration & dosage
  • Geographic Atrophy* / drug therapy
  • Geographic Atrophy* / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Nerve Growth Factors* / administration & dosage
  • Nerve Growth Factors* / therapeutic use
  • Neuroprotective Agents / administration & dosage
  • Neuroprotective Agents / pharmacology
  • Neuroprotective Agents / therapeutic use
  • Serpins* / administration & dosage
  • Serpins* / genetics
  • Serpins* / metabolism
  • Serpins* / pharmacology
  • Serpins* / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Eye Proteins
  • Nerve Growth Factors
  • Neuroprotective Agents
  • pigment epithelium-derived factor
  • Serpins