Bruce J. Baum, D.M.D., Ph.D., Chief
BUILDING 10 ROOM 1N113
10 CENTER DRIVE
BETHESDA , MD 20892-1190
PHONE: (301) 496-1363
FAX: (301) 402-1228
Mission
In vivo gene transfer has become the central means by which the MPTB is moving biology into clinical applications. This technology makes it possible to deliver therapeutic genes to the salivary glands for the benefit of both local and systemic diseases. Our research is directed primarily at furthering previously initiated efforts on two clinically relevant applications. These are the repair of irradiation- and autoimmune-damaged salivary glands, and the use of healthy glands for the production and secretion of transgene-encoded endocrine hormones for systemic use. We primarily utilize recombinant serotype 5 adenoviral and serotype 2 adeno-associated viral vectors to carry target genes into salivary epithelial cells for therapeutic and investigative purposes. Considerable effort is directed at vector safety, including minimizing vector-associated immune responses and enhancing the efficacy and specificity of viral transduction.