Lentiviral Vectors; a Research Tool Used To Introduce a Gene Product Into In Vitro Systems
Lentiviral Vectors in gene treatment is a technique by which genetically engineered viruses can be introduced, modified, or even deleted from living organisms with the help of lentivirus. These viruses are then injected into various target organs where they multiply and reproduce. Usually, these viruses are produced by e-fertilization of healthy tissues with DNA that has been taken from other sources. However, for this technology to work, the natural genetic material, i.e., the DNA of the recipient organism, must be in perfect order. Lentivirus are a family of viruses that are responsible for chronic and deadly diseases in the human and other mammalian species. The best known lentivirus is human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), which causes AIDS. Lentiviral vectors are derived from HIV and hence, these vectors are highly efficient for in vivo gene delivery for gene therapies. Moreover, lentiviral vectors are used in both gene therapy and research applications. These vectors can a...