Development of adenovirus vectors for the expression of heterologous genes
Berkner, K.L.
Biotechniques 6(7): 616-629
1988
ISSN/ISBN: 0736-6205 PMID: 3078719 Document Number: 133
The genome structure and biology of adenoviruses are reviewed, with particular reference to their use as recombinant expression vectors and in recombinant vaccines. Adenoviruses have a broad host range, and are able to penetrate every cell during infection. Being DNA viruses, they do not suffer from the interference by RNA signals that is found in retrovirus vector systems. Up to 7.5 kb of heterologous sequences can be inserted into the adenovirus genome to generate viable, conditional, helper-independent vectors. The ways in which adenoviruses have been adapted to produce high level expression vectors are described, and potential problems are highlighted. The use of adenovirus vectors for studying tissue-specific expression and for establishing stable cell lines is discussed. Recent research into using adenovirus for vaccine production is summarised. Adenovirus vectors have particular advantages when used for vaccine development, as they can be administered orally.
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