Gene therapy protocols require robust and long-term gene expression. For two decades, retrovirus family vectors\nhave offered several attractive properties as stable gene-delivery vehicles. These vectors represent a technology with\nwidespread use in basic biology and translational studies that require persistent gene expression for treatment of\nseveral monogenic diseases. Immunogenicity and insertional mutagenesis represent the main obstacles to a wider\nclinical use of these vectors. Efficient and safe non-viral vectors are emerging as a promising alternative and facilitate\nclinical gene therapy studies. Here, we present an updated review for beginners and expert readers on retro and lentiviruses\nand the latest generation of transposon vectors (sleeping beauty and piggyBac) used in stable gene transfer\nand gene therapy clinical trials. We discuss the potential advantages and disadvantages of these systems such as\ncellular responses (immunogenicity or genome modification of the target cell) following exogenous DNA integration.\nAdditionally, we discuss potential implications of these genome modification tools in gene therapy and other basic\nand applied science contexts.
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