STRATEGIES TO ALTER THE TROPISM OF ADENOVIRAL VECTORS VIA GENETIC CAPSID MODIFICATION

Strategies to alter the tropism of adenovirus provide the means to enhance vector potency and to allow cell-specific targeting. One approach to this end involves genetic capsid modification. Specifically, incorporation of targeting ligands within the capsid structure can allow substantial alterations in tropism. Various capsid sites have been studied as locales for incorporation of heterologous targeting ligands. At present, the ideal site for incorporation of such ligands with fidelity preservation has not been identified. None-the-less, efforts to date have allowed significant gain in terms of the goals of vector potency enhancement and cell specific targeting.