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Viral vectors
Various classes of agents, or "vectors", such as modified
viruses and non-viral systems can be used to carry therapeutic genes
into a patient for disease treatment. Delivery to these target
cells can be done ex vivo,where cells are removed from a
patient, modified with the gene-based vector in the laboratory, and
later reintroduced into the patient, or in vivo, with the
vector itself administered directly to the patient. Viruses
have evolved specialized mechanisms to efficiently transport their
own DNA into the host cell, making them a powerful tool for engineering
vector systems for the delivery of therapeutic genes.
The most prominent viral vectors are retroviruses
(including lentiviruses), adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses & herpes
simplex virus type 1.
Among the interests of scientists at LCTRC are
the targeted delivery of these vectors and their associated therapeutic
genes to the proper site within the host and the proper regulation
of their expression.
LCTRC scientists are also exploring the potential of stem cells
as vehicle for gene delivery.
Bruce Bunnell, PhD
Arrigo DeBenedetti, PhD
Ronald Klein, PhD
J. Michael Mathis, PhD
Cherie-Ann Nathan, MD
Kate Ryman, PhD
Francesco Turturro, PhD
Jill Williams, PhD
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