Retroviral Vectors

A large number of viruses including retroviruses have been used as gene transfer vectors in gene therapy. The family of retroviridae contains seven genera of which the mammalian and avian type C viruses and the lentiviruses have been studied in detail. From all three groups gene transfer vectors have been derived. The advantages of these vectors are the relatively simple genome organisation, the possibility to generate vector stocks free of replicating virus, and their ability to integrate the therapeutic gene into the host's chromosomes. Retroviruses were the first viral vectors used in gene therapy clinical tr…