Chapter 3. Retroviral Vectors
- Anthony Meager
Published Online: 10 DEC 2001
DOI: 10.1002/0470842385.ch3
Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd
Book Title
Gene Therapy Technologies, Applications and Regulations: From Laboratory to Clinic
Additional Information
How to Cite
Günzburg, W. H. and Salmons, B. (2001) Retroviral Vectors, in Gene Therapy Technologies, Applications and Regulations: From Laboratory to Clinic (ed A. Meager), John Wiley & Sons, Ltd, Chichester, UK. doi: 10.1002/0470842385.ch3
Editor Information
Division of Immunobiology, The National Institute for Biological Standards and Control, South Mimms, UK
Publication History
- Published Online: 10 DEC 2001
- Published Print: 17 SEP 1999
ISBN Information
Print ISBN: 9780471967095
Online ISBN: 9780470842386
- Summary
- Chapter
Keywords:
- retrovirus;
- lentivirus;
- packaging cell;
- homologous recombination;
- infection spectrum;
- promoter;
- viral titre;
- immunodeficiency;
- non-dividing cell
Summary
When retroviruses infect a cell, their RNA genome is transcribed into DNA which then integrates into the host genome and is transmitted to all progeny of that cell. This makes retroviruses, such as murine leukaemia virus, ideal candidates for gene delivery vehicles. Retroviral vector systems comprise a vector construct that carries the target gene and packaging cells which provide the viral proteins required to produce the recombinant virus. Two safety concerns are the danger of homologous recombination between the vector provirus and the provirus in the packaging cells producing an infectious retrovirus and the broad infection spectrum of retroviruses. Packaging cells are being extensively modified to minimise these risks. Other modifications include the use of tissue-specific or inducible promoters and attempts to increase the viral titre. Another development is the use of lentiviruses, which are able to infect non-dividing cells but these have the disadvantage of being associated with immunodeficiency.