Ad5/RGD-GFP Chimeric Adenovirus

The Ad5/RGD-GFP chimeric adenovirus represents a breakthrough advancement in viral vector technology, specifically designed to improve gene delivery efficiency and cell specificity. This modified adenoviral particle is derived from the common human adenovirus serotype 5 (Ad5) and optimized to express a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene. A key feature of Ad5/RGD-GFP is its fiber modification. The native Ad5 fiber protein, which is responsible for initial binding to the coxsackievirus and adenovirus receptor (CAR) on host cells, has been engineered to contain an RGD (arginine-glycine-aspartic acid) peptide motif. This RGD modification broadens the tropism of the virus, enabling it to bind to integrins, specifically αvβ3 and αvβ5, which are more widely expressed on various cell types, including cells lacking CAR. This targeting mechanism significantly enhances the ability of the virus to infect a wider range of cells, especially those relevant to cancer and gene therapy research. The integration of a green fluorescent protein (GFP) reporter gene into the viral genome allows for real-time visualization and quantitative analysis of viral infection and gene expression. GFP is a highly stable, easily detectable fluorescent protein that emits bright green fluorescence when exposed to blue light or UV light. Expression of GFP provides researchers with a powerful tool to monitor viral distribution, infection efficiency, and gene expression levels in living cells and tissues using standard fluorescence microscopy or flow cytometry techniques.