FIV: from lentivirus to lentivector.
Molecular virological understanding of the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) life cycle is increasing, facilitating rational derivation of improved vectors from this non-primate lentivirus. The packaging signal has been mapped, a central DNA flap has been identified, and class I integrase mutants have been validated. Vector systems with improved effectiveness and safety profiles are being applied by a number of laboratories in several pre-clinical models, with demonstrated efficacy in human tissues. The comparative lentivirological research that facilitates FIV vector development may also yield insights into the still enigmatic molecular basis for a signature lentiviral property with pathogenetic and therapeutic importance: permanent transgene integration in non-dividing cells. This review discusses virological aspects of lentiviral vector development, as well as some recent controversies and applications.
Saenz
Dyana T
DT
Molecular Medicine Program, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN 55905, USA.
Poeschla
Eric M
EM
D000818:Animals; D002415:Cats; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D005822:Genetic Vectors / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D006678:HIV; D006801:Humans; D016089:Immunodeficiency Virus, Feline / Q000235:genetics / Q000502:physiology*; D019065:Virus Assembly / Q000502:physiology