EVERYDAY SCIENCE

Detailed explanation-1: -Viruses are currently the most commonly used vectors in gene therapies because they have a natural ability to deliver genetic material into cells. Before a virus can be used to carry therapeutic genes into human cells, it is modified to remove its ability to cause infectious disease.

Detailed explanation-2: -Some gene therapies use viruses-known as viral vectors-to deliver genetic material into your cells. The most common viruses used in viral vectors are adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, or lentivirus. These viruses are inactivated, and do not cause infections when used in gene therapy.

Detailed explanation-3: -The main drawbacks of using virus vectors are its immunogenicity and cytotoxicity. The first related fatality of gene therapy clinical trial was related to the inflammatory reaction to the viral vector (Adenovirus).

Detailed explanation-4: -Summary. In summary, viruses can be genetically engineered to be used as vectors to deliver functional genes (or gene inactivation) in gene therapy to treat genetically inherited diseases. Other examples include oncolytic viruses that are programmed to kill cancer cells and stop tumors from spreading.