Lentiviruses

Definition

Lentiviruses are a subgroup of retroviruses known for their ability to integrate into the host genome and cause chronic infections. They are particularly significant in gene therapy applications because they can efficiently deliver genetic material into dividing and non-dividing cells, allowing for long-term expression of therapeutic genes. Their capacity to carry large genetic payloads makes them suitable vectors for treating various genetic disorders.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Lentiviruses, including the well-known Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), are capable of infecting non-dividing cells, making them unique among retroviruses.
2. The ability of lentiviruses to carry larger segments of DNA compared to other viral vectors enhances their utility in gene therapy.
3. Lentiviral vectors can be engineered to have reduced pathogenicity, making them safer for therapeutic applications.
4. These viruses can be used to create stable cell lines that express desired proteins for research and therapeutic purposes.
5. Lentiviral gene therapy has shown promise in treating inherited disorders such as severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID) and certain types of cancer.

Review Questions

• How do lentiviruses differ from other types of retroviruses in their application for gene therapy?
  • Lentiviruses differ from other retroviruses mainly in their ability to infect both dividing and non-dividing cells, which is crucial for effective gene therapy. This capability allows lentiviral vectors to reach a broader range of target cells, including neurons and muscle cells that do not divide frequently. Additionally, lentiviruses can accommodate larger genetic sequences, providing an advantage when delivering complex therapeutic genes.
• Discuss the safety measures that are taken when using lentiviral vectors in gene therapy.
  • When utilizing lentiviral vectors in gene therapy, safety measures include the engineering of the viruses to eliminate pathogenic features while retaining their gene delivery capabilities. This involves removing viral genes responsible for replication and virulence, reducing the risk of causing disease. Furthermore, rigorous preclinical testing is conducted to evaluate the potential off-target effects and ensure that the delivered genes are expressed only in targeted cells.
• Evaluate the potential long-term impacts of using lentiviruses in personalized medicine strategies.
  • The use of lentiviruses in personalized medicine could lead to transformative outcomes by enabling tailored therapies that address individual genetic variations. For example, by integrating specific therapeutic genes into a patient's cells, lentiviral gene therapy could effectively correct genetic defects or enhance immune responses against diseases like cancer. However, this approach raises concerns regarding long-term safety and ethical considerations, especially concerning unintended genomic changes that might occur over time. Balancing these benefits with potential risks will be crucial for the future implementation of lentiviral therapies in personalized medicine.

Related terms

Retrovirus: A type of virus that uses reverse transcription to convert its RNA genome into DNA, which can then integrate into the host's genome.

Gene Therapy: A medical field focused on the treatment or prevention of diseases by modifying or manipulating genes, often utilizing viral vectors like lentiviruses.

Vector: An agent, often a virus, used to deliver genetic material into cells for purposes such as gene therapy or vaccine development.