STABLE IN-VIVO GENE TRANSDUCTION VIA A NOVEL ADENOVIRAL RETROVIRAL CHIMERIC VECTOR/

Gene therapy to correct defective genes requires efficient gene delive ry and long-term gene expression. The available vector systems have no t allowed the simultaneous achievement of both goals. We have develope d a chimeric viral vector system that incorporates favorable aspects o f both adenoviral and retroviral vectors. Adenoviral vectors induce ta rget cells to function as transient retroviral producer cells in vivo. The progeny retroviral vector particles are then able to stably trans duce neighboring cells. In this system, the nonintegrative adenoviral vector is rendered functionally integrative via the intermediate gener ation of a retroviral producer cell. The chimeric vectors may allow re alization of the requisite goals for specific gene-therapy application s.