Ocular gene therapy is rapidly becoming a reality. By November 2012, approximately 28 clinical trials were approved to assess\r\nnovel gene therapy agents. Viral infections such as herpetic keratitis caused by herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) can cause serious\r\ncomplications that may lead to blindness. Recurrence of the disease is likely and cornea transplantation, therefore, might not\r\nbe the ideal therapeutic solution. This paper will focus on the current situation of ocular gene therapy research against herpetic\r\nkeratitis, including the use of viral and nonviral vectors, routes of delivery of therapeutic genes, new techniques, and key research\r\nstrategies. Whereas the correction of inherited diseases was the initial goal of the field of gene therapy, here we discuss transgene\r\nexpression, gene replacement, silencing, or clipping. Gene therapy of herpetic keratitis previously reported in the literature is\r\nscreened emphasizing candidate gene therapy targets. Commonly adopted strategies are discussed to assess the relative advantages\r\nof the protective therapy using antiviral drugs and the common gene therapy against long-term HSV-1 ocular infections signs,\r\ninflammation and neovascularization. Successful gene therapy can provide innovative physiological and pharmaceutical solutions\r\nagainst herpetic keratitis
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