A selectable and excisable marker system for the rapid creation of recombinant poxviruses.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Genetic manipulation of poxvirus genomes through attenuation, or insertion of therapeutic genes has led to a number of vector candidates for the treatment of a variety of human diseases. The development of recombinant poxviruses often involves the genomic insertion of a selectable marker for purification and selection purposes. The use of marker genes however inevitably results in a vector that contains unwanted genetic information of no therapeutic value.

Methodology/principal findings

Here we describe an improved strategy that allows for the creation of marker-free recombinant poxviruses of any species. The Selectable and Excisable Marker (SEM) system incorporates a unique fusion marker gene for the efficient selection of poxvirus recombinants and the Cre/loxP s

SUBMITTER: Rintoul JL 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3169633 | biostudies-literature | 2011

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature