A serious limitation of using a retrovirus as a vector for gene therapy is that
A) the retrovirus may insert into a proto-oncogene, causing cancer.
B) a genetically modified retrovirus causes AIDS.
C) it cannot infect rapidly dividing cells.
D) it causes ADA accumulation.
E) reverse transcriptase will not work in human cells.

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Retroviruses have the potential to insert their genetic material into the host genome, but this insertion may occur near or within a proto-oncogene, causing it to become overactive and potentially causing cancer. This is a serious limitation to retroviral vectors for gene therapy.

A Serious Limitation of Using a Retrovirus as a Vector