Timeline Of Historical Contributions
William French Anderson is considered to be the father of gene therapy.
In 1985, Dr, Anderson and Dr. Blaese worked together to show that cells from patients with ADA could be fixed and corrected in a tissue culture.They used a retrovirus to carry healthy copies of human ADA genes to the cells. A retrovirus is a group of RNA viruses that insert a DNA copy of their genome into the host cell in order to replicate, e.g., HIV.
In 1985, Dr, Anderson and Dr. Blaese worked together to show that cells from patients with ADA could be fixed and corrected in a tissue culture.They used a retrovirus to carry healthy copies of human ADA genes to the cells. A retrovirus is a group of RNA viruses that insert a DNA copy of their genome into the host cell in order to replicate, e.g., HIV.
- In 1986, the team studied the safety precautions and efficiency of correct genes being transferred into the bone morrow of animals. These tests came to a conclusion that the process was not harmful, but the amount of cells that obtained the healthy copy was too small for useful treatment
- In 1988, researchers chose to use white blood cells instead of bone marrow cells. This had amazing effects because it increased the number of healthy gene taken by the cell in the experiments with animals.
- In 1989, the team was in collaboration with Dr. Steven Rosenberg to test the safety and effectiveness of this gene therapy in cancer patients. They grew TIL cells (tumour infiltrating lymphocytes) from people with the cancer, and then created a virus to put DNA markers into the TIL cells. This helped the team discover two important things:
1. TIL cells work best for cancer treatment
2. The modified virus can be used safely in humans.
- In 1990, Dr. Anderson and Kenneth Culver used a special virus to give healthy ADA genes to a four-year old and nine-year old girl. Both of these girls had an ADA deficiency. Each girl’s treatments were repeated over a period of two years.
It is important to note that these two girls are now living normal lives. Tests have shown a positive steady increase of ADA in their immune cells.
Fun but not so Fun Fact
- In 2006, Dr. Anderson was convicted of sexual abuse to a minor. The girl was a daughter of a business partner.
- In 2007, Dr. Anderson was sentenced to 14 years in prison