Integration of retroviral vectors

Retroviral vectors are unique in their ability to integrate their genome into the host genome of transduced cells. Several members of the retrovirus family show distinct pattern for preferential integration into the host genome. Despite many years of investigation, precise mechanisms of target site selection and the fundamental interplay of viral integrase and host cell proteins are still unknown. Improved methods to detect retroviral integrations genome-wide as well as recent advances on the retroviral integrase structure and integrase interacting proteins may lead to further uncover the process of retroviral target site selection. A better knowledge of these mechanisms and interactions will allow further improving safety of retroviral vectors for gene therapy by providing an opportunity to retarget retroviral integration into non-harmful genomic positions.