Viral Vectors: lentivirus

Lentivirus vectors are used as a tool in gene therapy, which is the modification of genetic material for therapeutic purposes. Stem cells are used frequently in gene therapy. Lentiviral vectors are advantageous because of their ability to transfer genes into the chromatin of target cells without the transfer of viral genes. Furthermore, lentiviral vectors are capable of transduction, the delivery of genes into the genome of cells that are both dividing and terminally differentiated (nondividing). Terminally differentiated cells include hematopoietic stem cells, liver cells, macrophages, neurons, retinal photoreceptors, and stem cells. Although it has advantages over other viral vectors, the use of lentiviral vectors in gene therapy has potential risks. Current research using viral vectors includes the delivery of therapeutic genes to the affected tissue ...