Lentiviral Vectors are used in gene transfer methods to deliver the specified genes into numerous cells with the help of lentivirus

Lentiviral vectors are small viruses that have the ability to insert and multiply within and among different types of bacteria, algae, fungi, viruses, etc. This has caused an entirely new class of viruses that are quite literally alive! These viruses have the potential to cause the formation of every type of disease imaginable, as well as the development of cancer. They are also being used in the biotechnology industry due to the benefits of lentiviruses.

There are many advantages of lentiviruses, which make them such a great technology. First, they can insert themselves into and affect virtually any kind of a living cell, including sperm, eggs, and even lung tissue. Second, they have a remarkable capacity to transduce the transcribed genome, which is the blueprint of all life. With this ability, biotechnology researchers are on the threshold of creating life forms that may never die. Lentiviral vector technology is also being used in the study of human genetics, as well as the study of other life forms. For instance, in July 2021, the U.S.-based biotechnology company, bluebird bio, Inc., received a distribution clearance from the European Commission (EC) for its SKYSONA, a genetic treatment for patients suffering from CALD (cerebral adrenoleukodystrophy).

Perhaps the most exciting aspect of lentiviral vectors is their potential for treating diseases associated with abnormal cells. Biotechnology researchers have already discovered that they can be administered into the patient's own blood through a simple injection. If, instead, the biotechnological drug is administered into a stem cell from a person's own body, it will be accepted into the recipient's cells without rejection. In other words, these stem cells are treated much like normal, live cells in the body; however, with the help of modern technology, they can divide indefinitely in culture.

As exciting as all of these sounds, there are some potential problems with gene delivery through lentiviral vectors or any other form of genetic engineering. One problem is that the number of genes inserted is controlled by the specific genetic expression system in the recipient's body. Different cells have different specifications, so even if two different people utilize the same gene delivery system, it may result in slightly different results.