Helper dependent virus
A helper dependent virus, also termed a gutless virus, is a synthetic viral vector dependent on the assistance of a helper virus in order to replicate,[1] and can be used for purposes such as gene therapy. Naturally-occurring satellite viruses are also helper virus dependent, and can sometimes be modified to become viral vectors.
Viral vector
Since the genome of the gutless virus does not include genes encoding the enzymes and/or structural proteins required to replicate, it is deemed safe for use in gene therapy since an infection cannot occur except in the presence of a suitable helper virus.[2]
Well established protocols allow scientists to propagate helper dependent viruses in the lab. However, using an actual helper virus poses problems when it comes to purification of a desired
Satellite virus
Helper dependent viruses can also occur in nature without being "gutted". The term
Within the family
References
- S2CID 2775090.
- PMID 15877812.
- PMID 9499080.
- ^ Knipe, David M.; Howley, Peter M. (2007). Fields Virology (5th ed.). Lippincott Williams & Wilkins. pp. 126–7.
- S2CID 22084866.
- ^ PMID 2215424.
- ^ "Vectors Used in Gene Therapy Clinical Trials". Gene Therapy Clinical Trials Worldwide. September 2019. Archived from the original on 21 October 2019. Retrieved 14 March 2020.