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Adenoviral vectors go retro

Nature Biotechnology volume 18, pages 150–151 (2000)Cite this article

Each of the viral vector systems currently under development for therapeutic gene transfer possesses a unique set of characteristics that renders it most suited for specific applications in gene therapy. Differences in stability, titer, integration frequency, and levels of gene transfer and expression are all present among the leading gene delivery systems. Could the advantageous features of one system be transferred to another to create hybrid vectors with superior gene transfer and expression function? In this issue, Baum and colleagues1 address this question by creating a hybrid adenovirus–retrovirus vector, with surprising results.

The ability of retroviral vectors to integrate into the target cell genome is considered a major advantage, since stable gene expression is necessary to treat many genetic disorders. On the other hand, adenoviral vectors possess the advantage of excellent gene expression and high viral titers and infection efficiency. However, adenoviruses do not integrate and survive only transiently within the target cell, making them unsuitable for the permanent correction of genetic disorders. Nevertheless, the very high efficiency of adenoviral vector gene transfer into human cells has provided an incentive for some workers to try to engineer an integration function into the viral genome. Indeed, why not combine elements from two or more vector systems to create a hybrid vector with the specific advantages of the individual systems?

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Figure 1: Adenoviral vector attaches to cell surface through the coxsakie adenovirus receptor (CAR) and, after leaving the endosome, moves to the cell nucleus.

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  1. director, Human Gene Therapy Research Institute, John Stoddard Cancer Center, Iowa Methodist Medical Center, 1415 Woodland Avenue, Des Moines, 50309, IA

    Charles J. Link

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  1. Charles J. Link
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Link, C. Adenoviral vectors go retro. Nat Biotechnol 18, 150–151 (2000). https://doi.org/10.1038/72594

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