FIV: from lentivirus to lentivector

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Abstract
Molecular virological understanding of the feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) life cycle is increasing, facilitating rational derivation of improved vectors from this non‐primate lentivirus. The packaging signal has been mapped, a central DNA flap has been identified, and class I integrase mutants have been validated. Vector systems with improved effectiveness and safety profiles are being applied by a number of laboratories in several pre‐clinical models, with demonstrated efficacy in human tissues. The comparative lentivirological research that facilitates FIV vector development may also yield insights into the still enigmatic molecular basis for a signature lentiviral property with pathogenetic and therapeutic importance: permanent transgene integration in non‐dividing cells. This review discusses virological aspects of lentiviral vector development, as well as some recent controversies and applications. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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