Journal of Microbiology and Biotechnology

The Korean Society for Microbiology and Biotechnology (한국미생물·생명공학회)
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Establishment of a Dual-Vector System for Gene Delivery Utilizing Prototype Foamy Virus

  • Soo-Yeon Cho (Department of Systems Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University) ;
  • Yoon Jae Lee (Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jeju National University College of Medicine) ;
  • Seong-Mook Jung (Department of Systems Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University) ;
  • Young Min Son (Department of Systems Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University) ;
  • Cha-Gyun Shin (Department of Systems Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University) ;
  • Eui Tae Kim (Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Jeju National University College of Medicine) ;
  • Kyoung-Dong Kim (Department of Systems Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University)
  • Received : 2023.12.15
  • Accepted : 2024.02.06
  • Published : 2024.04.28
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Abstract

Foamy viruses (FVs) are generally recognized as non-pathogenic, often causing asymptomatic or mild symptoms in infections. Leveraging these unique characteristics, FV vectors hold significant promise for applications in gene therapy. This study introduces a novel platform technology using a pseudo-virus with single-round infectivity. In contrast to previous vector approaches, we developed a technique employing only two vectors, pcHFV lacking Env and pCMV-Env, to introduce the desired genes into target cells. Our investigation demonstrated the efficacy of the prototype foamy virus (PFV) dual-vector system in producing viruses and delivering transgenes into host cells. To optimize viral production, we incorporated the codon-optimized Env (optEnv) gene in pCMV-Env and the Woodchuck Hepatitis Virus Posttranscriptional Regulatory Element (WPRE) at the 3' end of the transgene in the transfer vector. Consequently, the use of optEnv led to a significant enhancement in transgene expression in host cells. Additionally, the WPRE exhibited an enhancing effect. Furthermore, the introduced EGFP transgene was present in host cells for a month. In an effort to expand transgene capacity, we further streamlined the viral vector, anticipating the delivery of approximately 4.3 kbp of genes through our PFV dual-vector system. This study underscores the potential of PFVs as an alternative to lentiviruses or other retroviruses in the realm of gene therapy.

Keywords

Acknowledgement

This research was supported by the Chung-Ang University Research Grants in 2022 and the Korea Health Technology R&D Project through the Korea Health Industry Development Institute (KHIDI) funded by the Ministry of Health & Welfare, Republic of Korea (No. HI22C1510).

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