Baculovirus: an insect-derived vector for diverse gene transfer applications

Mol Ther. 2013 Apr;21(4):739-49. doi: 10.1038/mt.2012.286. Epub 2013 Feb 26.

Abstract

Insect-derived baculoviruses have emerged as versatile and safe workhorses of biotechnology. Baculovirus expression vectors (BEVs) have been applied widely for crop and forest protection, as well as safe tools for recombinant protein production in insect cells. However, BEVs ability to efficiently transduce noninsect cells is still relatively poorly recognized despite the fact that efficient baculovirus-mediated in vitro and ex vivo gene delivery into dormant and dividing vertebrate cells of diverse origin has been described convincingly by many authors. Preliminary proof of therapeutic potential has also been established in preclinical studies. This review summarizes the advantages and current status of baculovirus-mediated gene delivery. Stem cell transduction, preclinical animal studies, tissue engineering, vaccination, cancer gene therapy, viral vector production, and drug discovery are covered.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Baculoviridae / genetics*
  • Gene Transfer Techniques*
  • Genetic Therapy / methods*
  • Genetic Vectors / genetics*
  • Humans
  • Insect Vectors / virology*