What Is A Viral Vector?

Viruses, as infectious agents, are harnessed by molecular biologists for their ability to deliver genetic materials into cells. This capability forms the basis of viral vector systems, extensively explored in gene and cell therapy as well as vaccine development. Viral vectors are engineered to be safe, stable, and easily producible at scale. Retroviruses, including lentiviruses, integrate their genetic material into host cells, while adenoviruses do not integrate but efficiently introduce foreign DNA. Poxviruses, like vaccinia virus, are utilized for their ability to express foreign proteins and induce robust immune responses. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) is favored for its ability to infect both dividing and non-dividing cells in gene therapy.

Manufacturing processes for viral vectors, crucial for meeting market demands, emphasize scalability, efficiency, and regulatory compliance. A novel adenovirus production process demonstrated robustness and cost-efficiency, with single-use equipment offering advantages over traditional stainless-steel setups. The process involves upstream cell culture, virus release and filtration, determination of virus titer, and downstream purification, ensuring high-quality, well-characterized products suitable for clinical applications. This advancement underscores the importance of scalable manufacturing processes in advancing viral vector-based therapies and vaccines to address critical medical needs.