On Viruses

 

Geetika Joshi writes:

 

Viruses have evolved natural mechanisms to efficiently transport their own genetic materials into host cells while also commandeering host cell machinery for replication. Therefore, the use of viruses for the introduction of therapeutic genes and stimulation of the immune system has become an attractive and promising method for the treatment of a variety of diseases, including cancer.

 

 

The genomes of a wide array of viruses can be modified and used as a tool for the efficient transfer of exogenous genes into living cells or organisms. In broad terms, two types of virus vectors exist: replication-competent and replication-defective.

 

Replication-competent vectors are exemplified by live-attenuated strains of many common viruses.

 

Posted by Dr. Tim Sandle, Pharmaceutical Microbiology Resources (http://www.pharmamicroresources.com/)