Name an example of a viral vector commonly used in gene therapy.

Adenoviruses are a well-established example of viral vectors commonly utilized in gene therapy. They have several advantageous features that make them particularly suitable for this application. Adenoviruses can infect both dividing and non-dividing cells, allowing for a broader range of target tissues. Additionally, they can accommodate relatively large inserts of genetic material, which is crucial for delivering therapeutic genes.

Another important aspect of adenoviral vectors is their ability to induce a strong immune response, which can be beneficial in some therapeutic contexts. However, this immune response can also lead to challenges, such as inflammation or a reduced efficacy of repeated administrations; understanding and managing these responses is a key area of research in gene therapy.

While lentiviruses, retroviruses, and herpes simplex viruses can also function as vectors in gene therapy, each comes with its own limitations and specific use cases. For instance, lentiviruses are beneficial for stable gene expression due to their integration into the host genome, but they may introduce more complicated safety concerns. Retroviruses generally have a limited capacity for genetic material and primarily target dividing cells, which can restrict their use in certain therapies. Herpes simplex viruses are being explored for specific conditions but are less commonly used than adenoviruses in the broader