As basic knowledge regarding the molecular biology of viruses and their
interactions with their hosts improves, virus expression vectors increase in
sophistication and their applications in the field of medicine broadens. Virus expression
vectors have been used as research tools for generating vaccines and have functioned as
delivery vehicles for siRNAs, antiviral agents, and other drug candidates. In this review,
vectors based on poxvirus, adeno-associated virus, lentivirus and plant viruses are
discussed and examples of their applications are provided. Recent innovations with
respect to the use of virus expression vectors for the delivery of vaccines or for passive
immunization against infectious diseases are outlined. The review concludes with a
summary of the current successes and the future challenges that must be addressed for
virus vaccine vectors to be utilized for research and medical treatment purposes in the
years to come.
Keywords: Adeno-associated virus, HIV-1, immune response, infectious disease,
lentivirus, plant virus, poxvirus, vaccine, virus expression vector.