Lentiviral Transduction (CAT#: STEM-GT-0007-WXH)

Introduction

The term "transduction" is used to describe a virus-mediated transfer of nucleic acids into cells. In contrast to transfection of cells with foreign DNA or RNA, no transfection reagent is needed here. The viral vector, itself, also called virion, is able to infect cells and transport the DNA directly into the nucleus, independent of further actions. After the release of the DNA into the nucleus, the protein of interest is produced using the cells' own machineries.
Recombinant lentiviral vectors are powerful tools for gene transfer with some advantages over other delivery vectors: Besides cells that undergo mitosis, they also have the ability to transduce non-dividing cells. Further, lentiviruses enable stable gene transfer in vitro and in vivo, as they integrate into the host cell genome and offer the possibility of positive cell selection. They have a broad host cell range that also includes cell types such as primary neurons, lymphocytes, and macrophages. Moreover, lentiviral vectors have also proven to be effective in transducing brain, liver, muscle, and retina in vivo without toxicity or immune responses. Biosafety level S2 is needed for lentiviral transduction.