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RNA-based viral vectors
1Harrisvaccines, Inc., 1102 Southern Hills Drive, Suite 101, Ames, IA 50010, USA.
Expert Review of Vaccines
|November 11, 2014
Summary
RNA virus vectors, engineered to express foreign genes, are advancing rapidly. These viral tools show promise in preclinical and clinical trials for vaccines and cancer therapies.
Area of Science:
- Virology
- Molecular Biology
- Vaccinology
Background:
- Reverse genetics enables manipulation of positive and negative-sense RNA virus genomes for research.
- Early work focused on positive-sense RNA viruses due to direct RNA transcription from cDNA.
- Advances in providing RNA-dependent RNA polymerase complexes facilitated negative-sense RNA virus genome manipulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review RNA virus vectors designed to express heterologous genes.
- To focus on vectors packaged into viral particles that have progressed to clinical testing.
- To highlight the development of RNA virus vectors for vaccine and cancer target applications.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing reverse genetics to engineer RNA virus genomes.
- Developing strategies for RNA virus replication and expression of foreign genes.
- Packaging engineered RNA virus genomes into viral particles for delivery.
Main Results:
- Significant preclinical testing of numerous RNA virus vectors against pathogens and cancer targets.
- Advancement of multiple RNA virus vectors through preclinical testing into human clinical trials.
- Demonstration of RNA virus vectors expressing engineered vaccine antigens.
Conclusions:
- RNA virus vectors represent a powerful platform for vaccine and therapeutic development.
- The progression of these vectors into clinical trials underscores their potential efficacy and safety.
- Continued research in RNA virus vector technology promises further advancements in infectious disease and oncology.
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