Different Types of Vectors Used In Gene Therapy
Vectors are used in all the gene therapy to carry the correct gene into the target cells, they are the transportation tool for the DNA.
There are now only two types of vector Viral and Non-Viral.
Researchers use virus to carry the DNA into cells, because the natural tendency of virus is to spread its own DNA, which is what the scientists want to do.
The most common and widely know vector used to be Adenovirus, which is a viral vector. Adenovirus is the virus behind the common cold, but this vector also put the patient at risk by causing an immune response in the body.
There are now only two types of vector Viral and Non-Viral.
Researchers use virus to carry the DNA into cells, because the natural tendency of virus is to spread its own DNA, which is what the scientists want to do.
The most common and widely know vector used to be Adenovirus, which is a viral vector. Adenovirus is the virus behind the common cold, but this vector also put the patient at risk by causing an immune response in the body.
Today, researchers use a virus vector called Adeno-Associated, because Adeno-Associate lacks the gene to spread itself on its own, this vector has a much lower risk at causing immune system response or disease in the human body.
The different natural tendency of a specific vector can be used in different way.
Adeno-associated virus would go for the liver due to its natural tendency, so scientists adds blood clotting factors to treat haemophilia in patients.
The Modification of Viral Vectors
Scientists modify the envelope protein on the viruses so the virus won't trigger a immune system response
There is mainly one type of Non-Viral Vectors, and that is Liposomes.
The benefit of using a Non-Viral Vector is that it won't cause any immune system response, but at the same time the down side is it's accuracy. Since Non-Viral Vector don't have the natural tendency of going to a specific target cell, it would be harder for scientists to make sure that Liposomes delivered the correct gene to the correct place.
The benefit of using a Non-Viral Vector is that it won't cause any immune system response, but at the same time the down side is it's accuracy. Since Non-Viral Vector don't have the natural tendency of going to a specific target cell, it would be harder for scientists to make sure that Liposomes delivered the correct gene to the correct place.
The Advantages and Disadvantages for Different Vectors
A Summary of All the Vectors
Bibliography
Friedmann, T. (1997). Making Gene Therapy Work. Scientific American, 276(6), 96-122.
Nienhuis, A. (2008, May 13). How does gene therapy work? Retrieved from http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/experts-gene-therapy/
Strausbaugh, L. (2000). Gene Therapy and Infection Control: More Light on the Way.Chicago Journals, 21(10), 630-632.
Friedmann, T. (1997). Making Gene Therapy Work. Scientific American, 276(6), 96-122.
Nienhuis, A. (2008, May 13). How does gene therapy work? Retrieved from http://www.scientificamerican.com/article/experts-gene-therapy/
Strausbaugh, L. (2000). Gene Therapy and Infection Control: More Light on the Way.Chicago Journals, 21(10), 630-632.