Viral Vector Construction Unit

The Viral Vector Construction Unit offers services in construction of two types of viral vector constructs:

Adenoviral Vector : Recombinant adenoviral vectors are generated by recombination in bacteria according to the method of He et al. ( “A simplified system for generating recombinant adenoviruses” Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1998 95(5):2509-14.)  The Unit provides plasmids, bacteria, and continuous guidance up to the final step of obtaining a lysate of the recombinant adenovirus.

Lentiviral Vector: Hybrid lentiviral particles are constructed basically according to the method described by Follenzi andNaldini (“Generation of HIV-1 derived lentiviral vectors” Methods Enzymol. 2002;346:454-65) by triple transient transfection of three different plasmids into HEK293T cells. The Unit provides the three vectors required for this transfection. Of the three vectors, the basic transfer vector, used for cloning the gene of interest, is supplied freely. An advanced, modified, transfer vector developed by the Unit is supplied upon signing of a Material Transfer Agreement (MTA). The Unit provides its own protocol for the generation of hybrid lentiviral particles and continuous guidance through the process.

Laboratory Director

The Viral Vector Construction Unit is directed by Dr. Hilla Giladi, Ph.D who is the Laboratory Chief of the Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy. Dr. Giladi directs activities taking place at the Gene Therapy Institute regarding liver-directed gene therapy, including the development of delivery methods, animal models, novel vaccination approaches and specific therapeutics.