Retroviral Pseudotypes

Abstract Retroviral pseudotypes are a main research and diagnostic tool of basic and clinical scientists facilitating the detailed study of individual viral genes, receptors and highly pathogenic viruses, without the need to handle live virus. Their use as gene therapy vectors is widely documented, but their other uses are less well known. The switching of envelope proteins expressed on the surface enables them to be used as surrogate viruses in neutralization/antiviral assays and for the study of cell–virus receptor interactions. However, they have recently been used as vaccine immunogens, expressing the antigen either on the pseudotype surface or as the transfer gene for stable or transient expression. Only now is their full potential being realized. Key concepts Students will learn: What are retroviral pseudotypes. How they are constructed. The common elements that comprise a retroviral pseudotype. How retroviral pseudotypes can be used to deliver genes. How they can be used as tools for the study of viral attachment, entry and receptor identification. About using pseudotypes as surrogate viruses in neutralization assays. The use of pseudotypes to study antiviral potency and resistance. How pseudotypes can be used as experimental vaccines.