Gene Transfer Vector Derived from Jembrana Disease Virus: A Review

The etiological agent of Jembrana disease is a virus which was accordingly named Jembrana Disease Virus (JDV). JDV was a member of the family of Retroviridae, of the subfamily of lentiviruses. As a member of the lentivirus, JDV has general property to integrate their genome into the chromosomal DNA of the host-cells. It is one of their common properties which is not shared by simple retroviruses such as murine leukimia virus or avian sarcoma virus. Lentiviruses are highly species-specific and share the property of replicating in dividing and non-dividing terminally differentiated cells. JDV-based gene transfer vector which had been developed is appeared to possess a broad tropism and a unique capacity of mediating efficient gene transfer. This review summarize JDV-based viral vector system that has been developed. The main principles and components of JDV viral gene transfer system and its implication in the future research will be discussed.