Lentiviral vector (LV)

Lentiviral vectors are engineered viral particles derived from lentiviruses, most commonly HIV-1, used in research and therapeutic gene delivery. These vectors serve as tools to stably integrate exogenous genetic material into the genome of target cells (both dividing and non-dividing), facilitated by reverse transcriptase and integrase enzymes. Unlike therapeutic targets such as receptors or enzymes, lentiviral vectors are not themselves biological molecules targeted by drugs, but delivery vehicles for genetic payloads. Their use underpins the permanent and heritable modification of cellular function in contexts such as cell and gene therapy, functional genomics, and disease modeling. Lentiviral vectors are manufactured to lack native viral genes (other than those required for packaging and integration), and contain a self-inactivating LTR to minimize unwanted transcriptional activity and increase safety. Safety concerns include insertional mutagenesis stemming from integration into host genome, possible oncogene activation, and general vector-mediated risks.

Other names

Lentiviral gene delivery vectorLentiviral transduction vectorLentivirus vectorLVVLentivirus

Delivery of genetic payload via viral transduction; Stable integration into host cell genome via reverse transcription and integrase activity.