Retroviral vectors

Abstract

Retroviral vector production systems for producing lentivirus-based vector particles which are capable of infecting and transducing non-dividing target cells, wherein one or more of the auxiliary genes such as vpr, vif, tat, and nef in the case of HIV-1 are absent from the system. The systems and resulting retrovirus vector particles have improved safety over existing systems and vectors.

1 - 38 . (canceled) 
     
     
         39 . A retroviral vector capable of infecting and transducing a cell, wherein the retroviral vector is lentivirus-based and wherein one or more auxiliary genes chosen from the HIV-1 auxiliary genes vpr; vif, tat and nef or from the analogous auxiliary genes of other lentivirus, which auxiliary genes are normally present in the lentivirus on which the retroviral vector is based, is or are absent from the retroviral vector.