The introduction of new genes into cells for the purpose of treating disease by restoring or adding gene expression. Techniques include insertion of retroviral vectors, transfection, homologous recombination, and injection of new genes into the nuclei of single cell embryos. The entire gene therapy process may consist of multiple steps. The new genes may be introduced into proliferating cells in vivo (e.g., bone marrow) or in vitro (e.g., fibroblast cultures) and the modified cells transferred to the site where the gene expression is required. Gene therapy may be particularly useful for treating enzyme deficiency diseases, hemoglobinopathies, and leukemias and may also prove useful in restoring drug sensitivity, particularly for leukemia.

Descriptor ID	D015316
MeSH Number(s)	E02.095.301 E05.393.420.301
Concept/Terms	Gene Therapy Gene Therapy Therapy, Gene DNA Therapy Therapy, DNA Gene Therapy, Somatic Gene Therapy, Somatic Therapy, Somatic Gene Somatic Gene Therapy

Below are MeSH descriptors whose meaning is more general than "Gene Therapy".

Below are MeSH descriptors whose meaning is related to "Gene Therapy".

Below are MeSH descriptors whose meaning is more specific than "Gene Therapy".