| abstract |
We have discovered that using non-integrative viral vectors having low replicative efficiency for insertion of a gene into a cell such as a lymphocyte or a tumor cell is a preferred system for transforming such cells for use in somatic cell therapy or gene therapy. These vectors are preferably cytoplasmic viral vectors, as opposed to nuclear viral vectors. Preferred cytoplasmic vectors include DNA viruses such as pox viruses and iridoviruses and RNA viruses such as picornavirus, calicivirus and togavirus. More preferably the virus used will not be capable of sustained replication in the target cell. For example, a preferred pox virus for human cells will be an avipox, or suipox in contrast to an orthopox virus such as vaccinia. |