Gene transfer to brain and spinal cord using recombinant adenoviral vectors

Recombinant adenoviral (Ad) vectors are derived from human adenoviruses: nonenveloped, encapsidated linear, double-stranded DNA viruses that commonly cause respiratory and gastrointestinal infections. Forty-three different human adenovirus serotypes have been characterized. Details about production of recombinant Ad vectors are given in Chapter 1. Ad vectors in widespread use are derived from human Ad serotypes 2 and 5 (Ad2 and Ad5), Ad5 being more common for applications in the central nervous system (CNS). Ad5 replication-impaired vectors most often contain deletions in the E1 and E3 regions, with transgenes driven by a variety of promoters including viral promoters, and those that are neuron-specific (2). Recently fiber-modified and "gutless" Ad vectors, and those based on canine adenovirus serotype 2, have been developed for use in brain (3-9).