Adenovirus is the most effective vector for in vivo gene delivery to the synovium, while retroviruses are better suited for ex vivo applications.
None of the vectors was ideal for in vivo gene delivery to synovium, although adenovirus was clearly the most effective of those tested. Retroviruses, although poor vectors for in vivo gene delivery, are well suited for ex vivo gene transfer to the synovial lining of joints.
Nita et al. (Wed,) studied this question.