This is a study of gene therapy to treat alpha 1-antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency. This study aims to treat AAT deficiency with a single administration of AAV8hAAT(AVL), a gene therapy that codes for an oxidation resistant form of the AAT protein, which if safe and if efficacious, will protect the lung on a persistent basis. We hope to learn the safety/toxicity and initial evidence of efficacy of intravenous delivery of this gene therapy to alpha 1-antitrypsin deficient individuals.

Inclusion Criteria:

• AAT genotype ZZ, or Z null heterozygotes, and if on augmentation therapy, pre-therapy AAT serum levels <11 μM
• Emphysema as assessed by chest high resolution computational tomography (HRCT)
• Lung function parameters consistent with mild to moderate loss of lung function and the presence of emphysema.
• Troponin T within normal limits
• Normal liver ultrasound and serum alpha fetoprotein
• Normal kidney function
• No contraindications to receiving corticosteroid immunosuppression

Exclusion Criteria:

• Individuals receiving systemic corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medications for pre-existing conditions.
• Inability to tolerate immunosuppression with corticosteroids (e.g., uncontrolled diabetes)
• Individuals with an immunodeficiency disease, or evidence of active infection of any type, including human immunodeficiency virus
• Evidence of major central nervous system, major psychiatric, musculoskeletal or immune disorder
• Prior history of myocardial infarction or cancer within the past 5 years (other than basal cell carcinoma of the skin)
• Decompensated heart failure (NY4A class III-IV at time of baseline clinical assessment)
• Abnormal ECG at screening with findings consistent with cardiac disease
• Females who are currently pregnant or lactating
• Any history of allergies to drugs used for bronchoscopy, including xylocaine, lidocaine, versed, valium, atropine, pilocarpine, isoproterenol, terbutaline, aminophylline, or any local anesthetic
• Individuals receiving experimental medications or participating in another experimental protocol for at least 3 months prior to entry to the study
• Use of oxygen supplementation
• Risk for thromboembolic disease
• History of significant cardiovascular disease, hypertension, prior myocardial infarction and/or cerebrovascular event
• Individuals who are currently on beta-blockers, or other cardiac therapy related drugs
• Prior history of hypersensitivity or anaphylaxis associated with the administration of any AAT product

As the proposed experiments become published in scientific journals, the cleaned, item-level spreadsheet data for all variables will also be shared openly, along with example quantifications and transformations from initial raw data. Final files used to generate specific analyses to answer the Specific Aims and related results will also be shared. The rationale for sharing only cleaned data is to foster ease of data reuse. If any data collection arising from the proposed studies are not shared by publication within one year after the proposed award period ends, the unpublished data will be similarly shared in public domains for ease of access.

At the time of publication, and after final analyses have been completed.

Access to the data may require Material Transfer Agreements, Non-Disclosure Agreements, or other limitations on licensing access and will be managed by the PI