Retrovirus

Retrovirus can insert viral genetic information into the host DNA. Human retroviruses include human immunodeficiency virus -1 and 2 (HIV-1 and HIV-2), causing AIDS. HIV-1 virus is more widely transmitted. Based on the human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1), lentivirus vector has been shown to deliver genes to neurons, lymphocytes and macrophages, cell types that previous retrovirus vectors could not be used. Lentiviral vector has also proven to be effective in transducing brain, liver, muscle, and retina in vivo without toxicity or immune responses.