Advances in the field of biotechnology have brought gene therapy forward in medical research which have proved boon in the treatment of various deadly human diseases. Gene therapy is usually defined as the transfer of genetic material tocure a disease or toimprove the chemical status of the patient. It is an experimental way of using genes to treat or to prevent the disease. In this method, a ’normal’ gene is inserted into the genome or genetic shuttles to replace an ‘abnormal’, disease causing gene, using various means ofviral or non-viral, DNA or RNA dependantvectors. Several kinds of viruses, including retroviruses, adeno associated virus, herpes simplex virus, lentivirus have been modified for use in gene therapy and its applications. This review article will focus on the historical, recent and future advancements employed in gene therapy regarding treatment of various lethal diseases, commonly in humans.
Gene therapy, adeno, herpes, lentivirus
