The application of HSP70 as a target for gene therapy

The 70-kDa heat shock proteins (HSP70s) are well-studied and characterized heat shock proteins (HSPs). They constitute essential components of a quality control system of protein synthesis, and function as molecular chaperones to prevent proteins from misfolding and aggregating during both de novo synthesis and under conditions of stress. Moreover, it is now well established that HSP70s play important cytoprotective roles in various pathological settings. Recognition of molecular chaperone and cytoprotective functions of HSP70s is fostering active investigations into the potential of HSP70s as therapeutic targets at the laboratory level. Gaining insight into these recent advances may have profound implications in the development of HSP70-based clinical studies.