A Novel Method of Viral Vector Production Driven by Insertion and Expression of a Viral Vector Gene at the Beta-Actin Locus of a Human Cell Line
Viral gene therapy, the technology of treating a disease by introducing genetic material via a viral vector, is gaining significance in the clinic. This popularity results in a high demand for viral vectors that must be met by viral vector production methods. Currently, viral vectors are produced via a large-scale transfection of cell lines with plasmids encoding viral genes. The expression of these plasmids results in the production of viral vectors. However, this method of viral vector production is inefficient and consequently insufficient to meet demand in a cost-effective manner. Here, we aim to develop a platform for a more efficient method of viral vector production that utilizes a section of the human genome called the beta-actin locus. Expressing viral genes from this locus has the potential to significantly decrease production costs and maintain efficient viral vector production. Our method would establish a human cell line that could express transgenes from the beta-actin locus.