What is the primary function of modified viruses in gene therapy?

What is the primary function of modified viruses in gene therapy?

• A. To destroy harmful bacteria
• B. To enhance immune response
• C. To carry and insert genetic material into specific cells
• D. To replicate without causing disease

Answer: (C)

In gene therapy, modified viruses play a crucial role as vectors for delivering genetic material into specific cells. The primary function of these engineered viruses is to carry therapeutic genes to the target cells where genetic defects or diseases exist. By introducing the correct gene, the modified virus aims to help treat or potentially cure genetic disorders or diseases, such as certain types of cancer or inherited conditions. These viruses are designed to insert the new genetic material into the genome of the host cells, allowing for the expression of the therapeutic gene. This insertion is critical because, for gene therapy to be effective, the introduced gene must not only reach its target but also be properly integrated into the host’s DNA to ensure long-term expression. In contrast, while enhancing immune response, destroying harmful bacteria, and replicating without causing disease may involve other mechanisms or strategies within the broader context of microbiology or immunology, they do not capture the primary purpose of modified viruses in gene therapy, which is specifically focused on gene delivery.

In gene therapy, modified viruses play a crucial role as vectors for delivering genetic material into specific cells. The primary function of these engineered viruses is to carry therapeutic genes to the target cells where genetic defects or diseases exist. By introducing the correct gene, the modified virus aims to help treat or potentially cure genetic disorders or diseases, such as certain types of cancer or inherited conditions.

These viruses are designed to insert the new genetic material into the genome of the host cells, allowing for the expression of the therapeutic gene. This insertion is critical because, for gene therapy to be effective, the introduced gene must not only reach its target but also be properly integrated into the host’s DNA to ensure long-term expression.

In contrast, while enhancing immune response, destroying harmful bacteria, and replicating without causing disease may involve other mechanisms or strategies within the broader context of microbiology or immunology, they do not capture the primary purpose of modified viruses in gene therapy, which is specifically focused on gene delivery.