Viral Vectors for Gene Therapy

Terminology and characteristics of viral vectors including Adenoviral, Adeno-Associated, Retroviral, and Herpes Simplex vectors.

Adenovirus

A double-stranded DNA virus that causes the common cold and infects both dividing and non-dividing cells.

Adenoviral Vector Insert Size

A vector capacity usually around $7.5\,kb$, which can be increased up to $35\,kb$ for gutless vectors.

Adeno-Associated Viral Vector

A single-stranded DNA provirus that requires a helper virus like adenovirus or herpesvirus for replication.

Chromosome $19$

The specific site where wildtype Adeno-associated virus integrates into the host genome.

Episomal form

The state in which modified Adeno-associated viral vectors persist in the host cell to produce stable expression without integration.

Adeno-Associated Vector Insert Size

The capacity limit for this specific vector type, which is $<4.5\,kb$.

Retrovirus

Single-stranded RNA viruses that integrate into active, sometimes random regions of the host genome for long-term expression.

Gamma-retroviruses vectors

A family of retroviral vectors that are limited to infecting only dividing cells.

Lentiviral vectors

A family of retroviral vectors capable of infecting both dividing and non-dividing cells.

Herpes Simplex Viral Vector

A double-stranded DNA virus that targets cells of the nervous system and does not integrate during replication.

Oncolytic viral vector

A use of the Herpes simplex viral vector specifically intended to target and destroy cancerous cells.

Herpes Simplex Vector Insert Size

A vector capacity allowing for a large insert size of $25\,kb$.