Lenti virus

A retrovirus is an enveloped, ssRNA virus. It is mainly used for stable, long-term gene expression because of its ability to stably integrate the viral genome into a host cell’s genome. The expression level is typically low. The two types of retroviruses commonly used as viral vectors are the gamma-retroviruses (Moloney murine leukemia virus or MoMLV) and Lentiviruses. The distinction between these two types of retroviruses is their ability to enter a host cell’s nucleus and subsequent integration of the viral DNA. Gamma-retroviruses (MoMLV) are used to target dividing cells and Lentiviruses to target non-dividing cells.

Recombinant viruses can be custom synthesized on a fee-for service basis, when the customer provides transgene construct for virus production. Vector core can assist in research by designing novel constructs and subsequent production of the viruses, please consult the core facility for the details.