Publication Type Review
Authors Kaplitt M, Makimura H
Journal J Neurosci Methods
Volume 71
Issue 1
Pagination 125-32
Date Published 01/01/1997
ISSN 0165-0270
Keywords Defective Viruses, Dependovirus, Genetic Vectors, Simplexvirus, Transfection
Abstract Viral vectors have attracted great interest as vehicles for gene therapy. Due to concerns regarding continued viral gene expression in several systems, new approaches have been sought for gene transfer in the nervous system. This article reviews the general concepts and basic biology of defective viral vectors. These are vectors which can package into a viral coat but contain no viral genes, thereby allowing efficient gene transfer in the absence of viral gene expression in target cells. The defective herpes simplex virus (HSV) vector has been applied to numerous interesting questions in neurobiology. The inability to completely eliminate helper viruses has raised concern regarding the application of this vector to human disease. The adeno-associated virus (AAV) vector has recently been introduced into the nervous system. This vector harbors no viral genes, however helper viruses can also be completely eliminated from the system. Although the smaller size may limit the range of applications for this vector, it has received great interest as a potential agent for gene therapy in the nervous system. Potential future directions are discussed as well.
DOI 10.1016/s0165-0270(96)00132-x
PubMed ID 9125381
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