A novel, helper-dependent, adenovirus-retrovirus hybrid vector: stable transduction by a two-stage mechanism.

We have developed a novel vector system that uses a helper-dependent adenoviral vector as a carrier to deliver a fully functional retrovirus vector. The helper-dependent adenovirus (HDAd) can accommodate large inserts, provide high titers, and infect nondividing as well as dividing cells. However, adenoviral DNA is rarely integrated into the host cell genome, and its episomal expression is transient.