Virustransporttivektorien

Virustransporttivektorien, or viral transport vectors, are delivery systems that use viruses to transfer genetic material into target cells. They are engineered to carry therapeutic or research payloads, while minimizing or eliminating the ability of the virus to cause disease or to reproduce.

Viral vectors are broadly categorized by their genome type, replication competence, and integration behavior. Non-replicating or replication-deficient vectors are commonly used in laboratory and clinical settings to improve safety. Some vectors are designed to integrate genetic material into the host genome for long-term expression, while others exist episomally for transient expression. The choice of vector depends on factors such as tissue tropism, cargo capacity, duration of expression, and potential immunogenicity.

Common viral vector platforms include adenoviral vectors, which can deliver large genetic payloads but often provoke strong immune responses; adeno-associated viral (AAV) vectors, known for their relatively low immunogenicity and long-term expression in non-dividing cells; and lentiviral or retroviral vectors, which can integrate into the genome for stable expression but carry a genomic integration risk. Other platforms include alphaviruses, vaccinia viruses, and Sendai virus, each with distinct advantages and safety profiles.

Applications of virustransporttivektorien span gene therapy, vaccine development, and basic research. They enable delivery of corrective genes, modulation of gene expression, or introduction of reporters for study. Safety, ethical considerations, and regulatory oversight are central to their development and use, with risk assessments and institutional biosafety frameworks guiding responsible research and clinical translation.