Alphaviruses: Semliki forest virus and Sindbis virus vectors for gene transfer into neurons

Alphaviral vectors based on Semliki Forest virus and Sindbis virus infect many host cell types, causing rapid and high-level transgene expression. In the CNS, Semliki Forest virus and Sindbis virus exhibit an outstanding preference for neurons rather than glial cells, compared to other viruses. Generation of high-titer virus stocks is rapid (less than two days) and typically requires biosafety level 1 or 2 containment. Wild-type vectors are cytotoxic, permitting short-term transgene expression. However, mutant vectors with decreased cytotoxicity, to prolong host cell survival, have been developed. They also increase transgene expression and cellular co-infection, permitting heteromeric protein expression in individual cells. In addition, mutants with temperature-dependent control of transgene expression and altered host cell preference to target interneurons and astrocytes rather than principal neurons are available. Other alphavirus vectors based on Venezuelan equine encephalitis and Eastern equine encephalitis virus replicons have been engineered, too. Alphavirus vectors have been successfully used not only in neuroscience, but also for other applications including drug discovery, structural biology, vaccine development, and cancer therapy.