Viral vectors are tools used to deliver genetic material into cells. This procedure can be performed inside a living organism (in vivo) or in cell culture (in vitro). Viruses have evolved specific systems for transporting their genomes inside the cells they infect. Modified viruses are used as viral vectors (or 'carriers') in gene therapy to shield the new gene from degradation while delivering it to the "gene cassette" in target cells. The delivery of genes or other genetic material by a vector is referred to as transduction, and the infected cells are referred to as transduced.
Viral vectors successfully persuade target cells to take the new gene, remove it from the virus particle, and transport it to the cell nucleus. Viral vectors can be used in gene therapy to transmit functional genes to replace defective genes and cure genetic disorders. Viral vectors can be used as a vaccine platform to express and deliver pathogenic antigens in order to stimulate an immune response by mimicking a natural infection. Viral vectors can also be used to specifically target and kill tumour cells in oncolytic therapies.
There are various types of viral vectors that can be used to carry nucleic acids into the genetic makeup of cells, including retrovirus, lentivirus, adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, and herpes simplex virus each having their own set of benefits and drawbacks for certain applications.
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