Information on the different viral vectors produced by the Molecular Tools Platform
The use of viruses to deliver genes and more specifically fluorescent markers to cells of the nervous system is known to work
efficiently. However, different viral vectors are available to you that have different characteristics, and the decision to favor one or
another virus should be based on numerous considerations, a few of which being: size of the genetic material to be carried in the
vector (gene of interest + regulatory sequences), cells that are targeted (number, phenotype, mitotic status), speed and duration of
expression etc.
Inserts
Size
(transgene +
regulatory
sequences)
Max: about
8Kb
Target
Cells
Expression
Delay
E1/E3 deleted human
adenovirus serotype 5
vector (Ad5)
All cell types at site of injection. Is
efficiently transported retrogradely
into neurons projecting to the site
of injection.
Transient (weeks
to months in
neurons)
Adeno-associated
virus (AAV) vector
-Serotype 2
All cell types at the site of
injection. Not efficiently
transported retrogradely.
Protein expression
detectable12hrs
post-infection.
Add time for
retrograde
transport (about a
day per 5 mm).
Days before
detectable
expression
Permanent
(genome
integration)
About 4Kb
Infect mitotic and postmitotic cells.
Significant expression delay
compared to adenovirus. Selfcomplementary AAV (scAAV)
available that reduces the delay, but at
the expense of insert capacity (2.5Kb)
No significant inflammation.
-Serotype 11
Serotype 8
HIV-derived
Lentiviral vector
Retrograde transport
Retrograde transport
All cell types at the site of
injection. Not efficiently
transported retrogradely.
Hours/days
Permanent
(genome
integration).
About 8Kb
Infect mitotic and postmitotic cells.
Significant expression delay in
postmitotic cells compared to
adenovirus. Relatively low titers.
Viral preps are labile. No significant
Virus
Persistence
Remarks
Efficient for either mitotic or
postmitotic mammalian cells,
although lost (diluted) rapidly in
dividing cells. Causes some degree of
local inflammation
1 de 2
Murine Leukemia
Virus-derived
Retroviral vector
(pseudotyped with
VSV-g envelope)
Dividing cells at injection site.
Hours/days
Permanent
(genome
integration)
About 8Kb
inflammation.
Infect only mitotic cells. Relatively
low titers. Viral preps are labile. No
significant inflammation.
___________________________
There are over 10 different serotypes available, differing in the amino-acid sequences of their capsid components. The serotype of a particular virus can affect its
infection patterns or certain characteristics such as the ability to be transported retrogradely. Contact us for more details.
2 de 2