Résumé
Gene therapy has a potential fir effective therapeutic intervention in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Proof of concept has been demonstrated in animal models, either through local gene delivery to the joint space or through systemic gene delivery for immune intervention. This chapter reviews how certain clinical applications of gene therapy would be beneficial for RA patients and discusses the roadblocks that need to be solved for future clinical applications. Issues concerning vectors, promoters and the therapeutic genes are discussed and ideal features for safe, non toxic, efficient and regulated gene expression proposed. Finally, the results from preclinical studies and six clinical trials performed in RA patients are described.