Gene Therapy using Viral Vectors: Types, Production, and Biosafety Risks, Essays (university) of Chemical Thermodynamics

An in-depth exploration of gene therapy using viral vectors as delivery systems. It covers the four main types of viral vectors currently used in gene therapy: adenoviruses, retroviruses, adeno-associated viruses, and herpes simplex viruses. The production process of each type, including reverse transcription and integration into the host cell's genome. Additionally, it discusses the risks associated with viral vector use, such as the generation of replication-competent viruses, infection of unintended target cells, insertional mutagenesis, and inappropriate gene product expression.