Fig. 3 ∣. Vector considerations for cell and gene therapy of kidney disease.
Viral and non-viral vectors range in size and can package DNA or RNA with different capacity. Some can be engineered to target specific cells or tissues via capsid, envelope or particle modification. Immune response varies between vectors. Any time nucleic acids are delivered to cells, integration is a possibility, although the chance of integration can vary depending on vector type. Integration is part of lentivirus-mediated delivery but is possible, although rare, with other vector methodologies. AAV, adeno-associated virus; ds, double-stranded; ss, single-stranded.