Viral Vectors in Primate Research: Examples from Parkinsons Disease Research

Neurodegenerative diseases, such as Parkinson’s disease (PD), offer unique opportunities for the therapeutic application of viral vector gene transfer. In this chapter, we discuss the current state of viral vector preclinical development in nonhuman primate with special focus on vectors derived from adeno-associated virus (AAV) and lentivirus (LV), as they are the only ones that have reached clinical trials. We also outline desired features for improving the routes of delivery, tropism specificity, and other parameters that influence achievement of successful therapeutic goals.