Jote Bulcha · Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy 2021 · narrative review · n=?

Viral vector platforms within the gene therapy landscape

Cited 1356 times in the scientific literature.

Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data

Narrative review of gene therapy vector platforms without systematic search or original human data

OpenAlex W3128825549 · doi:10.1038/s41392-021-00487-6 · record verified 2026-08-26

What was done

This paper reviews the historical development and current landscape of viral-based delivery vehicles in gene therapy. It summarizes the mechanisms of action, clinical applications, regulatory milestones, and persistent technical challenges for the three primary vector platforms: adenoviruses, adeno-associated viruses (AAV), and lentiviruses.

What was found

The abstract presents no quantitative data or statistical comparisons. It notes qualitatively that viral vector platforms have achieved regulatory approvals for monogenic diseases and vector-based cancer therapies within the past five years, while also detailing past setbacks including severe adverse effects and rare patient deaths.

Why it matters

The review synthesizes the core viral delivery technologies enabling approved modern gene therapies and outlines the key biological limitations constraining their broader clinical translation.

Limits

This is a narrative review without systematic search protocols, predefined inclusion criteria, or quality assessment of cited studies. The abstract provides no primary data, participant numbers, or quantitative risk and efficacy estimates.

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