Vesicular stomatitis virus vector (VSV vector)

Vesicular stomatitis virus vector refers to recombinant versions of VSV engineered to express foreign genes, most notably as platforms for vaccine or gene therapy development. VSV is a non-segmented, negative-sense RNA virus in the family Rhabdoviridae, naturally infecting livestock but adapted as a laboratory tool due to its well-understood genetics, robust replication, and amenability to manipulation. VSV-based vectors are used to express heterologous glycoproteins (such as the Ebola GP protein), serving as the basis for several experimental and approved vaccines. The vector has low seroprevalence in humans, can accommodate large gene inserts, and does not integrate into the host genome. Safety and immunogenicity have been established in multiple clinical contexts, but concerns include the potential for adverse reactions and the theoretical risk of vector reversion or recombination.

Other names

VSV vectorRecombinant vesicular stomatitis virus (rVSV)Vesiculovirus vectorVesicular stomatitis virus-based vaccine vector

Expression of foreign antigens to elicit immune response (in vaccine context); Delivery of genetic material into cells