Different gene therapy vectors

A gene transfer vector is, by definition, a vehicle which delivers genetic material to cells. These vectors can be divided into two categories: viral and non-viral. As viruses have evolved to be efficient in gene delivery they surpass non-viral vectors in many aspects, especially in efficiency (Kootstra and Verma, 2003). Currently the most popular vectors are adeno- and retroviruses, together representing 49% of vectors used in clinical trials.

Ideally, a gene therapy vector would target a specific tissue with high transduction efficiency and sustain a stable, regulated gene expression without any side effects or immunogenic response. As none of the currently used vectors directly match the ideal vector profile, there is an ongoing search for new vectors and the development of vectors combining properties from different viruses and artificial virus-like-particles. Currently each vector system has its own characteristic benefits, drawbacks and preferred applications.

Viral vectors

• Adenoviruses
• AAV
• Baculoviruses
• Bacteriophages
• Foamy viruses
• Hepatitis B
• Herpes simplex
• Lentiviruses
• Measles virus
• Mumps virus
• Newcastle disease virus
• Parvoviruses(Rat virus H1 ja MVM)
• Poliovirus
• Retroviruses
• Reoviruses
• Semliki forest
• Simian virus 40
• Vaccinia virus
• Vesicular stomatitis virus

Non-viral vectors

• Naked DNA
• Liposomesolecular conjugates

The Baculovirus by Jani Räty. Published in the Gene Therapy Review.