FIGURE 2.

Schematic depictions of a concept to utilize genetically modified macrophages for the treatment of inner ear diseases. Autologous monocyte lineage is taken from patient’s peripheral blood, and transfected plasmids of targeted gene. After ex vivo culturing, genetically modified monocytes are injected intravenously. Injected monocytes are migrating into the inner ear to differentiate to tissue macrophages. Genetically modified macrophages produce and secrete therapeutic molecules which diffuse throughout the fluid of the inner ear.