Schwannoma gene therapy by adeno-associated virus delivery of the pore-forming protein Gasdermin-D

Schwannomas are peripheral nerve sheath tumors associated with three genetically distinct disease entities, namely sporadic schwannoma, neurofibromatosis type-2, and schwannomatosis. Schwannomas are associated with severe disability and in cases lead to death. The primary treatment is operative resection that itself can cause neurologic damage and is at times contra-indicated due to tumor location. Given their homogenous Schwann-lineage cellular composition, schwannomas are appealing targets for gene therapy. In the present study, we have generated an adeno-associated serotype 1 virus (AAV1)-based vector delivering N-terminal of the pyroptotic gene Gasdermin-D; (GSDMDNterm) under the control of the Schwann-cell specific promoter, P0. we have demonstrated that AAV1-P0-GSDMDNterm injection into intra-sciatic schwannomas reduces the growth of these tumors and resolves tumor-associated pain without causing neurologic damage. This AAV1-P0-GSDMDNterm vector holds promise for clinical treatment of schwannomas via direct intra-tumoral injection.