Development of adenovirus vectors for gene therapy

Abstract The development of methods for human gene therapy will require efficient and stable introduction of foreign gene into somatic cells. A number of gene transfer technologies are being developed that have the potential for therapeutic application to illnesses such as cancer, genetic diseases, and infectious diseases [Mulligan, 1993]. Viruses have been used in many early gene therapy model studies. Indeed, recombinant adenoviruses are one of the most promising gene transfer systems currently available. Adenovirus vectors are used in about 10% of all the gene therapy protocols approved by the recombinant advisory committee. This review focuses on the development of adenovirus vectors, their use in clinical settings, and current obstacles to prolonged gene expression. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.