Netherton syndrome (NS) is caused by mutations in the serine protease inhibitor Kazal type 5 gene (SPINK5), which encodes lympho-epithelial Kazal-type-related inhibitor (LEKTI).
Podocytes are a terminally differentiated cell type located in the glomerulus. Podocyte damage and the subsequent dysregulation of podocyte proteins have been implicated in various kidney disorders. Since gene delivery to podocytes using adeno associated vectors (AAVs) has been challenging due to various technological and physiological hurdles, investigators at Purespring Therapeutics Ltd. developed an AAV gene therapy platform that allowed for effective, specific and safe delivery of transgenes to podocytes.
