Retrovirus vector production and transduction: modulation by the cell cycle

In this study, the cell cycle modulation of retrovirus vector production and transduction was analysed. Retrovirus vector expression was found to be similar in all phases of the cell cycle and, in contrast to some other virus promoters shown previously to be upregulated by G(2)/M arrest, Moloney murine leukaemia virus LTR-driven expression was upregulated neither by G(2)/M growth arrest nor by G(1)/S growth arrest. In contrast, cultures enriched for S phase cells produced more infectious virions, apparently by modulation of stages consequent to provirus expression. In terms of retrovirus transduction, limitations appear to be slow progression through the cell cycle and short half-life of the virus. Synchronization of cells prior to mitosis can increase transduction efficiency. Cell cycle modulation can be used to modify retrovirus vector production and transduction and can allow short transduction periods.