SYSTEMIC GENE TREATMENT OF CONNECTIVE TISSUE DISEASES

摘要

The present invention relates to methods of therapeutic or prophylactic treatment of connective tissue diseases by systemic or local delivery of a nucleic acid sequence to a mammalian host. Expression of the nucleic acid sequence results in the systemic delivery of a biologically active protein or peptide which acts to antagonize inflammatory, hypertrophic and erosive phenomenon associated with connective tissue disease. Systemic delivery of such gene products results in sustained treatment of connective tissue diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.