For applications in gene therapy, what is the most favorable characteristic of retroviruses?
A) Retroviruses have an RNA genome.
B) Retroviruses possess reverse transcriptase.
C) DNA copies of retroviral genomes become integrated into the genome of the infected cell.
D) Retroviruses mutate often.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The most favorable characteristic of retroviruses for gene therapy is that the DNA copies of the retroviral genome become integrated into the genome of the infected cell. This allows for stable and long-term expression of the therapeutic gene. Retroviruses also possess reverse transcriptase which allows for the conversion of their RNA genome to DNA, which can then be integrated into the host cell genome. However, retroviruses mutating often could potentially cause problems in gene therapy applications, leading to unpredictable outcomes.

For Applications in Gene Therapy, What Is the Most Favorable