Lentivirus as a potent and mechanistically distinct vector for genetic immunization

T-cell-mediated immunity is critical for the prevention and control of a broad range of infectious diseases and human malignancies. Genetic immunization is a promising approach for the elicitation of T-cell immunity. Recombinant lentivectors are now being developed and evaluated as antigen delivery platforms for genetic immunization and immune engineering. Early results from studies utilizing lentivectors are promising. Third generation lentivectors have been engineered to improve biosafety and reduce antivector immune responses. The ability of third generation lentivectors to efficiently transduce non-dividing cells, including dendritic cells, suggests important advantages over other antigen delivery platforms. Studies suggest that immunization with lentivectors induces remarkably potent and durable primary and memory T-cell immunity. The combination of skin-targeted immunization and potentially unique mechanisms of immune induction likely contribute to the potent immunogenicity observed. Taken together, this accumulating evidence supports the ongoing development and clinical translation of lentivector-based genetic immunization strategies.