AAV-mediated gene therapy produces fertile offspring in theLhcgr-deficient mouse model of Leydig cell failure

Abstract

Leydig cell failure (LCF) caused by gene mutation results in testosterone deficiency and infertility. Serum testosterone levels can be recovered via testosterone replacement; however, established therapies have shown limited success in restoring fertility. Here, we used a luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotrophin receptor (Lhcgr)-deficient mouse model of genetic LCF to investigate the feasibility of gene therapy for restoring testosterone production and fertility. We screened several adeno-associated virus (AAV) serotypes and identified AAV8 as an efficient vector to drive exogenous Lhcgr expression in progenitor Leydig cells through interstitial injection. We observed considerable testosterone recovery and Leydig cell maturation after AAV8-Lhcgr treatment in pubertal Lhcgr-/- mice. This gene therapy substantially recovered sexual development, partially restored spermatogenesis and effectively produced fertile offspring. Furthermore, these favorable effects could be reproduced in adult Lhcgr-/- mice. Our proof-of-concept experiments in this mouse model demonstrate that AAV-mediated gene therapy may represent a promising therapeutic approach for patients with genetic LCF.