Foamy virus: an available vector for gene transfer in neural cells and other nondividing cells.

Foamy viruses (FVs) are classified to a subfamily of retrovirus presented in a wide range of hosts. None of FVs has been found to associate with any diseases in their native hosts. Such a unique biological character of FVs makes it suitable for the development of vectors for gene transfer. However, it is still controversial whether foamy virus vectors (FV vectors) can be applied to the central nervous system (CNS). In this review, we summarize the studies of FV vectors, which have been used for transduction of neural cells and other nondividing cells. We further discuss the potential mechanisms underlying the infection and propose that FVs can be used to develop transfer vectors for gene therapy in neurological disorders.