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 HVJ envelope vector
For a genetic expression to work properly, genes have to enter a cell; in conventional practice, however, genes may only come close enough to attach themselves to the cell membrane, unable to penetrate it. A carrier, an agent to introduce the genetic expression to a cell, becomes necessary at this point.
The Hemagglutinating Virus of Japan (HVJ) is a type of pneumovirus found in mice, discovered in Japan in the 1950s. All of the genome found inside HVJ is removed, and the vector using only its membrane is the HVJ envelope vector. The production method of this vector was developed in 2000 by Professor Yasufumi Kaneda of Osaka University.
The HVJ envelope vector, possessing the strong action of fusing cells (cytogamy) on its membrane (envelope), has high efficacy to induce a gene into a cell. Moreover, as all of the virus genome of HVJ is removed, the vector is safe when used for human beings. The vectors used for the genetic medication can be divided into major types, i.e. a viral vector and a non-viral vector. The viral vectors, used for their virus infection capabilities, have a high gene induction efficacy, but present safety problems. On the other hand, non-viral vectors made of lipid materials, etc., though considered to be safer, have some drawbacks in terms of their induction efficacy. The HVJ envelope vector, which presents solutions to all these problems and shortcomings, can be expected to become a vector widely used in the near future.
Additionally, the HVJ envelope vector, in addition to the genetic medication, may become a vector of high efficacy as a drug delivery system (DDS) for nucleic-acid medicines, protein medicines, as well as conventional medicines such as low-molecular compounds, etc. as it may be able to improve drug absorption.
Moreover, the HVJ envelope vector can also be used for the discovery of new useful genes that can be applied to create medication as well as diagnostic drugs. By using the HVJ envelope vector, new useful genes can be found by inducing genes for examination purposes into a cell or an organ and by observing their actual effects.
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