Parvoviral vectors for the gene therapy of cancer.

Gene transfer vectors based on the replication-defective (adeno-associated virus, AAV) and autonomous parvoviruses are emerging as promising vehicles for gene therapeutic approaches for the treatment of cancer. AAV-based vectors are nonpathogenic, possess an extremely wide host and tissue range, stably integrate into cellular DNA, and transduce both proliferating and nonproliferating cells. Unlike AAV, autonomous parvoviruses such as the minute virus of mice (MVM) do not integrate. However, their tropism for transformed tissues and innate oncolytic properties may permit rapid in situ therapies. In this article, we briefly review basic parvovirus biology as it relates to vector development. In addition, parvoviral vectors are discussed within the context of applications for gene transfer approaches to cancer treatment including genetic marking studies, hematopoietic progenitor chemoprotection, interruption of oncogene expression, and modulation of antitumor immunity.