Related Experiment Videos
Minireview: the herpes simplex virus amplicon--a versatile defective virus vector
N Frenkel1, O Singer, A D Kwong
1Department of Cell Research and Immunology, Tel Aviv University, Israel.
Gene Therapy
|January 1, 1994
Summary
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) amplicons function as defective virus vectors for delivering DNA sequences. These vectors shuttle genes into various cells, tissues, and organs for potential gene therapy applications.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Virology
- Gene Therapy
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) amplicons are defective virus vectors.
- They facilitate shuttle delivery of DNA sequences and genes.
- Amplicons carry cloned sequences within amplified, concatemeric defective genomes packaged in HSV virions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the HSV amplicon system, its properties, and components.
- To describe cis-acting functions required for amplicon propagation.
- To present studies on amplifying and expressing prokaryotic, viral, and eukaryotic DNA sequences using HSV defective genomes.
Main Methods:
- Utilizing replication functions of helper viruses for amplicon propagation.
- Analyzing naturally occurring defective HSV genomes to understand virologic aspects.
- Examining the involvement of helper viruses, including host shutoff mutant helper viruses.
Main Results:
- Amplicons demonstrate wide tropism, entering and replicating in diverse cell types.
- Gene expression is achieved both in vitro and in vivo.
- Studies show successful amplification and expression of various DNA sequences within HSV defective genomes.
Conclusions:
- HSV amplicons are versatile vectors for gene delivery.
- Their properties support applications in gene therapy, particularly as neurotropic vectors.
- Further research highlights the potential of amplicons in therapeutic strategies.