Q.
Which of these is used as vector in gene therapy for
SCID?
1181
198
Biotechnology and its Applications
Report Error
Solution:
SCID is caused due to defect in the gene for the
enzyme adenosine deaminase (ADA). This enzyme is very
important for the immune system to function, The individuals
are bom without T-cells and B-cells, As a first step towards
gene therapy, lymphocytes, are extracted from the bone
marrow of the patient and are grown in a culture outside the
body. A functional ADA cDNA, using a retroviral vector, is
then introduced into these lymphocytes which are reinjected
to the patient’s bone marrow. But as these cells do not always
remain alive, the patient requires periodic infusion of such
genetically engineered lymphocytes.