Viral Vectors for Gene Transfer

Viral vectors are a promising tool for effective delivery of genetic material into cells. They take advantage of the natural ability of a virus to deliver a genetic payload into cells while being genetically modified such that their ability to replicate is crippled or removed. Here, an updated overview of routinely used viral vectors, including adeno-associated viruses (AAV), retroviruses/lentiviruses, and adenoviruses (Ads), is provided, as well as perspectives on their advantages and disadvantages in research and gene therapy.