Abstract: The present invention relates to the field of virology. More specifically, the present invention relates to the use of viral constructs to detect and quantify circulating tumor cells. In one embodiment, the present invention provides an adenovirus construct comprising (a) a cell type specific promoter that drives adenoviral replication; and (b) at least one reporter gene incorporated into the viral Major Late Transcriptional Unit. In another embodiment, an adenovirus construct comprises (a) prostate selective pro-basin promoter operably linked to the El gene; and (b) prostate specific antigen enhancer operably linked to the probasin promoter.

Abstract: The instant invention provides methods and compositions for generating recombinant adenoviral vectors. The invention also provides kits comprising for the generation of recombinant adenoviral vectors.

Abstract: The invention provides a packaging cell line for production of diphtheria toxin (DT) expressing, non-replicating adenovirus for use in suicide gene therapy of cancer cells, as well as production of immunotoxins. Also provided are methods for producing diphtheria toxin (DT) expressing, non-replicating adenovirus, methods for producing immunotoxins, and adenovirus and immunotoxins produced by those methods. Further provided are methods for making a cell resistant to diphtheria toxin.