title: Gene transfer into mammalian cells using a self-deleting avian leukemia and sarcoma virus-based vector.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We have previously described an avian leukemia and sarcoma virus-based vector containing an additional att sequence in an internal position that is capable of self-deleting most of its 5' viral sequences during one cycle of replication in avian cells [Virus Res 2008;135:72-82; Arch Virol 2008;153:2233-2243]. Herein, our aim was to test the infectivity and self-deleting properties of this avian retroviral vector in human cells.
  
  
  METHODS
  Human Hela cells transiently expressing the cellular receptor for avian leukemia and sarcoma viruses (tva) were infected with the avian vector. Molecular analyses of thirteen clones were performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data showed that more than 77% of proviruses had lost the 5' part of their genome including the selectable gene. At least 61% of these proviruses were flanked on the left by the additional att sequence and on the right by the LTR. None of the thirteen proviruses was able to express a full-length genomic RNA.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study demonstrates that the self-deleting properties of the avian vector in avian cells may be also applicable to human cells.
authors.affiliation: Université de Lyon, Lyon, France.
authors.forename: Caroline
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Torne-Celer
authors.forename: Karen
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Moreau
authors.forename: Claudine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Faure
authors.forename: Gérard
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Verdier
authors.forename: Corinne
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Ronfort