October 13, 2021
At a time when we talk so much about viruses, today we give an example of how these micro-organisms can help in the treatment of retinal diseases. It sounds like a lie, but ophthalmologist João Pedro Marques explains that this process is already a reality in Portugal:
Although it may seem like science fiction, the truth is that we are facing a reality that is already effectively carried out, namely in Portugal. How does this happen? The viruses will work as a vector, as a vehicle that will transmit the genetic information to the retina cells that are not producing in a correct manner the necessary genes for the visual cycle to work, and therefore, through a virus we manage to get this genetic information to the retina cells. There is a very practical example, which is a genetic disease that causes blindness: this disease is caused by changes in the RPE 65 gene, which is a very important gene for the visual cycle and when the gene is not working properly, the protein is not produced and therefore people have great difficulties.
Through therapy - it is called gene therapy - we will make the therapeutic genes, which are carried within the virus, reach the retina after surgery and start acting on the retina of the affected person. In this way, we get the visual cycle working again and the person gains some visual function.
Apart from this disease, this type of treatment is also being studied for other retinal diseases, although it is not yet applicable in everyday life.
In tomorrow's programme we will learn more about a degenerative disease in the central area of the retina.
With the support of the Portuguese Society of Ophthalmology.
