Gene therapies and COVID-19 vaccines: a necessary discussion in relation with viral vector-based approaches

Angel Aledo-Serrano, Antonio Gil-Nagel, Julian Isla, Ana Mingorance, Fernando Mendez-Hermida & Ruben Hernandez-Alcoceba; Orphanet J Rare Dis 16, 316 (2021). doi:10.1186/s13023-021-01958-3 

 In conclusion, the potential interference between gene therapy and virus-based vaccines deserves a careful consideration and discussion involving the patient community. This is a adequate moment to do so, since current vaccine candidates are not expected to cause such interference. Should people with monogenic diseases preferentially receive, or be given the option to be immunized COVID-19 vaccines based on non-viral platforms, such as the mRNA vaccines? A careful consideration of the impact on the use of vectors for vaccine production and the plausible negative impact in the development of suitable gene therapy medicinal products, should be on top of the scientific and regulatory table discussion in order to facilitate access to patients suffering monogenic diseases and also prevent unnecessary delays in future vector vaccines development.