The main difference between lentivirus and adenovirus is that lentiviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome, while adenoviruses have a double-stranded DNA genome.
Lentivirus belongs to the Retroviridae family, which is a subfamily of retroviruses. Retroviruses are RNA viruses that use reverse transcriptase to convert their RNA genome into DNA, which is then integrated into the host cell’s genome. Adenovirus belongs to the Adenoviridae family, which is a family of DNA viruses.
Key Areas Covered
1. What is Lentivirus
– Definition, Features
2. What is Adenovirus
– Definition, Features
3. Similarities Between Lentivirus and Adenovirus
– Outline of Common Features
4. Difference Between Lentivirus and Adenovirus
– Comparison of Key Differences
Key Terms
Lentivirus, Adenovirus
What is Lentivirus
Lentiviruses belong to the Retroviridae family and share common features with other retroviruses, such as reverse transcription of their single-stranded RNA genome into double-stranded DNA. However, what sets lentiviruses apart is their ability to infect non-dividing cells, like neurons and macrophages, in addition to actively dividing cells. This unique property is attributed to their ability to efficiently cross the nuclear membrane and integrate their DNA into the host cell’s genome.
One of the most well-known members of the lentivirus subgroup is the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). While HIV is a pathogenic virus responsible for causing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) in humans, researchers have harnessed its viral properties to develop lentiviral vectors for therapeutic purposes.
Figure 1: HIV
Lentiviral vectors are crucial tools for gene therapy and research. They safely carry desired genes into target cells, ensuring stable, lasting gene expression. The design involves replacing viral genes with therapeutic ones, like functional genes for genetic fixes, RNA interference for gene silencing, or gene editing tools such as CRISPR/Cas9 for genome alterations. These vectors are produced using packaging cell lines, avoiding viral replication risk. Lentiviral vectors find application in gene therapy, treating inherited diseases, immunodeficiencies, and neurological disorders. They aid precise gene editing with CRISPR/Cas9, correct disease mutations, and enhance immune cells for cancer treatment. Additionally, they contribute to neuroscience research, allowing specific gene delivery to brain cells and deepening our understanding of neurological disorders and brain circuits.
What is Adenovirus
Adenoviruses belong to the Adenoviridae family and consist of a diverse group of viruses with over 50 serotypes identified in humans. These viruses have icosahedral capsids and a double-stranded DNA genome, making them stable in various environmental conditions. The most well-known adenovirus is Adenovirus type 5 (Ad5), which has been extensively studied and used as a model for vector development.
Adenoviruses have been engineered as viral vectors for gene delivery. Adenoviral vectors are derived from the wild-type adenovirus but have certain genes removed to prevent viral replication and pathogenicity. These vectors can efficiently deliver genetic material into target cells and allow for transient gene expression, making them valuable tools in gene therapy and biomedical research.
Figure 2: Adenovirus
Adenoviruses and their vectors have diverse applications in gene therapy, vaccine development, and cancer research. Adenoviral vectors deliver therapeutic genes for genetic disorder treatment and cancer gene therapy. They serve as vaccine carriers, triggering immune responses against diseases without causing illness. For cancer treatment, they enhance immune cells’ anti-tumor activity. In basic research, adenoviral vectors aid studying gene function, protein expression, and cellular processes across various cell types through gene overexpression and knockdown experiments.
Similarities Between Lentivirus and Adenovirus
- Lentivirus and adenovirus vectors allow for stable and long-term expression of transgenes within the host cells.
- Both lentivirus and adenovirus are used as gene delivery vectors in various fields, including gene therapy, vaccine development, and research.
- Both viruses are employed for therapeutic purposes, delivering therapeutic genes to target cells for treating genetic disorders, cancer, and other diseases.
- They are valuable tools in scientific research, aiding studies on gene function, protein expression, and cellular processes.
Differences Between Lentivirus and Adenovirus
Definition
Lentiviruses are a subgroup of retroviruses, capable of infecting both dividing and non-dividing cells, facilitating gene delivery to a wide range of cell types, including neurons. Adenoviruses are a subgroup of Adenoviridae viruses, limited to infecting dividing cells, with a particular affinity for actively dividing cells.
Family of Viruses
Lentiviruses belong to the Retroviridae family of viruses, while adenoviruses belong to the Adenoviridae family of viruses.
Dividing Vs. Non-Dividing Cells
While lentiviruses can infect both dividing and non-dividing cells, adenoviruses can only infect dividing cells and are particularly efficient in actively dividing cells.
Genome
Lentiviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome, while adenoviruses have a double-stranded DNA genome.
Integration into the Genome
Lentiviruses integrate their DNA into the host cell’s genome, which allows for stable, long-term gene expression. The integrated viral DNA can be passed on to daughter cells during cell division. Adenoviruses do not integrate into the host genome. Their viral DNA remains separate from the host DNA and replicates episomally. As a result, gene expression by adenoviral vectors is transient and not passed on to daughter cells during cell division.
Conclusion
In brief, Lentiviruses belong to the Retroviridae family of viruses, while Adenoviruses belong to the Adenoviridae family of viruses. The main difference between lentivirus and adenovirus is that lentiviruses have a single-stranded RNA genome, while adenoviruses have a double-stranded DNA genome.
Reference:
1. “Lentivirus – An Overview.” Science Direct.
2. “Adenovirus Infections: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.” WebMD.
Image courtesy:
1. “HI-virion-structure en” By Thomas Splettstoesser (www.scistyle.com) – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
2. “Adenovirus 3D schematic” By Thomas Splettstoesser (www.scistyle.com) – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia
Leave a Reply