[Development of a replication-incompetent adenovirus vector derived from subgroup B adenovirus serotype 35]

Properties of gene delivery vehicles, including gene transfer efficiencies and toxicities, are a key parameter for successful gene therapy. Among various types of gene delivery vehicles that have been developed so far, adenovirus (Ad) vectors have promising potentials as a vector for gene therapy because they can easily be grown to high titers and can efficiently deliver genes to both dividing and non-dividing cells. However, recent studies demonstrated some drawbacks of conventional Ad vectors, which are composed of subgroup C Ad serotype 5 (Ad5). First, Ad5 vectors poorly transduce cells lacking the primary receptor for Ad5, coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR). Second, majority of adults have neutralizing antibodies to Ad5. In order to overcome these drawbacks, we developed a novel Ad vector which is fully composed of subgroup B Ad serotype 35 (Ad35). Ad35 vectors can infect a variety of human cells because the primary receptor for Ad35, CD46, is ubiquitously expressed in human cells. Furthermore, Ad35 vectors efficiently transduce in the presence of anti-Ad5 antibodies, and seroprevalence of Ad35 in adults is much lower than that of Ad5. In the current review, I introduce our recent work on development and evaluation of Ad35 vectors, and I also discuss the potential of Ad35 vectors as gene delivery vehicles.