title: Biosafety in handling gene transfer vectors.
abstract: This unit is devoted to safety issues that must be considered when generating and working with vectors for gene therapy. A short description of the relevant regulatory bodies and mechanisms is followed by a general discussion of containment and safety procedures. This is followed by vector-specific guidelines for nine commonly used vector systems, including adenovirus, vaccinia, HSV-1, lentivirus, and nonviral vectors. Recent tragic experiences with retroviral integration near oncogene loci demonstrate the surprise effects of successful gene therapy. The unit also outlines the problems encountered when taking a promising vector to clinical trials.
authors.affiliation: Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA.
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Braun
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards*; D005822:Genetic Vectors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000592:standards*; D006801:Humans; D012449:Safety / Q000592:standards*