Chapter 13. Genetic Targeting of Retroviral Vectors

Summary

Vector targeting for specific and efficient transduction of target cells is a major goal of gene therapy. Retroviruses enter mammalian cells by interacting with cell surface receptors that trigger conformational changes in the viral surface envelope glycoproteins leading to membrane fusion and cell entry. Several different retroviral envelope glycoproteins have been shown to tolerate the insertion of polypeptide ligands, such as single chain antibodies, that specify attachment to alternative cell surface receptors. However, after redirecting virus attachment, chimeric envelope glycoproteins often fail to trigger membrane fusion and may furthermore actively interfere with productive infection. In this chapter we summarise the history and status of retrovirus targeting research with emphasis on the targeting strategies that have been recently developed to overcome previous obstacles.