Unlocking effective transgene expression potential in gene therapy with viral vectors

Gene therapy is an experimental approach for treating or preventing disease by using genes. Due to its promised therapeutic benefits for various diseases, this technology has drawn much interest in recent years. Despite reports of adverse events caused by gene therapies, success stories have increasingly emerged. The key to the success of gene therapy is finding a suitable DNA vector that will transport the gene into host cells, thus leading to the expression of the desired protein. An effective vector must be very efficient in delivering a gene to the target cells, non-toxic and safe to patients, inexpensive, and simple to use. This review discusses various aspects of the viral vectors currently in use in gene delivery systems and their great potential to unlock effective transgene expression in gene therapy applications based on this platform.