Palash Gupta

Overcoming Deficiencies in Gene Therapy Delivery with Chimeric and Inducible Vectors

Started June 9, 2025

Abstract or project description

This review will compile evidence of recent innovations in the delivery of gene therapy using viral vectors with a specific emphasis on inducible and chimeric viral vectors that address long-standing limitations of traditional viral vectors. Conventional vectors, despite being a revolutionary technology with countless benefits, pose risks and have significant flaws. Many elicit severe immunogenic responses and often miss the intended cells. This review discusses chimeric vectors which are a combination of two or multiple vectors - taking parts from both - to create a stronger hybrid. Specifically, chimeric vectors target new cells with different capsid proteins, to lower immunogenicity, and to remove toxic particles inside the vector. Inducible viral vectors are a new cell targeting method that use spacio-temporal awareness to improve efficiency and targeting. Inducible variants use external stimulants outside of the vector to dictate its expression. Inducers include small molecular compounds, various RNA strands, and even light. While concerns around scalability have cautioned experts, the next level targeting capabilities strongly favor them for further use and discussion in the gene therapy space.