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Lentivirus is a genus of retroviruses known for their ability to integrate into the host genome and cause long-term infections, often used in gene therapy due to their capacity to deliver genetic material into non-dividing cells. They are characterized by a complex genome, including regulatory and accessory genes that allow them to evade the host immune system and establish persistent infections.
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Retroviruses are a type of RNA virus that replicate in a host cell through the process of reverse transcription, where their RNA genome is converted into DNA and integrated into the host's genome. This unique replication mechanism allows them to persist in the host and can lead to chronic infections, making them significant in both medical research and treatment strategies for diseases like HIV/AIDS.
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Gene therapy is a revolutionary medical technique that involves modifying or manipulating genes within an individual's cells to treat or prevent disease. This approach holds the potential to correct genetic disorders, enhance immune responses, and provide long-lasting therapeutic effects by directly targeting the underlying genetic causes of diseases.
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Persistent infection occurs when a pathogen remains in the host for an extended period, often evading the immune system and causing chronic or latent disease. This can lead to long-term health issues and complicates treatment, as the pathogen can reactivate or continuously affect the host.
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Regulatory genes are crucial components of genetic control systems that manage the expression of other genes, thereby influencing cellular function and organismal development. They act through various mechanisms such as transcription factors, enhancers, and silencers to modulate gene activity in response to environmental and developmental cues.
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A viral vector is a tool commonly used in molecular biology to deliver genetic material into cells. It is engineered from viruses to be non-pathogenic and is crucial for gene therapy, vaccine development, and genetic research.
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In vivo gene therapy involves the direct delivery of genetic material into a patient's body to treat or prevent disease by correcting or compensating for defective genes. This approach utilizes vectors, often viral, to efficiently transport therapeutic genes to target cells, offering potential treatments for a range of genetic disorders and diseases.
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Lentiviral vectors are powerful tools for delivering genetic material into cells, particularly for gene therapy and research applications, due to their ability to integrate into the host genome and transduce both dividing and non-dividing cells. They are derived from lentiviruses, such as HIV, and are engineered to be replication-deficient for safety in therapeutic contexts.
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Gene delivery methods are techniques used to introduce genetic material into cells to alter their function or correct genetic defects, playing a crucial role in gene therapy and biotechnology. These methods can be broadly categorized into viral and non-viral approaches, each with distinct advantages and limitations depending on the target application and cell type.
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Vector delivery systems are essential tools in gene therapy and molecular biology, used to transport genetic material into cells to alter their function or correct genetic disorders. These systems can be viral or non-viral, each with specific advantages and limitations in terms of efficiency, safety, and specificity of delivery.
A replication-competent retrovirus is a type of virus that can integrate its genetic material into the host cell's DNA and replicate within the host, potentially leading to the production of new virus particles. This capability makes it a powerful tool for gene therapy and research, but also poses risks of insertional mutagenesis and unintended spread.
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