T7 vector for transient expression of genes in the cytoplasm for gene therapy data

Progenitor (Columbus, Ohio) presented data at the Keystone Symposia on Gene Therapy demonstrating the ability of its bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase vector to turn on reporter genes, and to transiently express a herpes simplex gene for thymidine kinase (HSV-tk). The latter construct has been used as a gene therapy for cancer in which cancer cells are rendered sensitive to the cell-killing action of ganciclovir.

Progenitor said the T7 vector may prove superior to retroviral vectors for delivery of HSV-tk to cancers, because it can get into any cell, dividing or resting, and can be used repeatedly as it is not immunogenic. ...