Gene transfer into neurons from hippocampal slices: Comparison of recombinant Semliki Forest virus, adenovirus, adeno-associated virus, lentivirus, and measles virus

Viral vectors are useful for transferring genes into neurons. Here, we char acterized recombinant Semliki Forest virus (SFV), adenovirus type 5 (Ad5), adeno-associated virus type 2 (AAV), lentivirus, and measles virus (MV) by their expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) in rat hippocampal slic e cultures. SFV infected more neurons (> 90% of all GFP-positive cells) tha n AAV, lentivirus, and MV (71, 69, and 62%, respectively), whereas no infec ted neurons were identified with Ad5, AAV-mediated GFP expression was neuro n-specific when the platelet-derived growth factor beta -chain promoter rat her than cytomegalovirus promoter was used, Transgene expression occurred r apidly but transiently for SRI, increased slowly but remained stable with A AV and lentivirus, and was fast with MV. Resting membrane potential and con ductance, action potentials, firing accommodation, and H-current appeared n ormal in infected CA1 pyramidal cells, Thus, SFV is useful for short-term a nd AAV and lentivirus for longterm transduction of hippocampal slices, whil e MV constitutes a novel vector.