Abstract: The invention in one aspect relates to recombinant replication competent adenovirus that can replicate in and lyse a host cell comprising in the genome of the adenovirus a coding sequence for a glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) protein operably linked to an expression control sequence. It also relates, among others, to means and methods for treatment of cancer with a coding sequence for a glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) protein operably linked to an expression control sequence, preferably in the context of an adenovirus. This work was funded in part by European Union Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme, Marie-Sklodowska-Curie grant number 643130.

Abstract: Described is a replication competent recombinant virus, being capable to replicate and having lytic capacity in target cells, the said cell being hampered in the p53 dependent apoptosis pathway, the virus including in the genome thereof, the coding sequence of at least one restoring factor functional in restoring the p53 apoptosis pathway in the said target cells, operably linked to one or more expression control sequences, functional in the said target cells, as well as the use thereof in the preparation of a medicament, in particular for suppressing uncontrolled cell growth.

Abstract: Described is a replication competent virus, being capable to replicate and having lytic capacity in host cells, the virus comprising in the genome thereof, at least one DNA sequence coding for a silencing factor functional in reducing expression of a target gene in the said host cells, operably linked to one or more expression control sequences, functional in the said host cells, and the use thereof in the preparation of a medicament and to the use thereof in a method for lysing host cells expressing a virus inhibitory factor.

Abstract: The present invention is concerned with means and methods for producing adenovirus particles comprising a chimeric adenovirus spike protein that essentially lacks a functional knob domain. One aspect of the invention is concerned with a method for producing adenovirus particles comprising providing cells that are permissive for adenovirus replication with an adenovirus vector, with nucleic acid encoding said chimeric adenovirus spike protein and with nucleic acid encoding at least one adenovirus E3 region protein or a functional part, derivative and/or analogue thereof, said method further comprising culturing said permissive cells to allow for at least one replication cycle of said adenovirus virus and harvesting said adenovirus particle.

Abstract: A method for producing viral gene delivery vehicles which can be transferred to pre-selected cell types by using targeting conjugates. The gene delivery vehicles comprise: 1) the gene of interest; and 2) a viral capsid or envelope carrying a member of a specific binding pair, the counterpart of which is not directly associated with the surface of the target cell. These vehicles can be rendered unable to bind to their natural cell receptor. The targeting conjugates include the counterpart member of the specific binding pair, linked to a targeting moiety which is a cell-type specific ligand (or fragments thereof). The number of the specific binding pair present on the viral vehicles can be, for example, an immunoglobulin binding moiety (e.g., capable of binding to a Fc fragment, protein A, protein G, FcR or an anti-Ig antibody), or biotin, avidin or streptavidin. The virus' outer membrane or capsid may contain a substance which mediates entrance of the gene delivery vehicle into the target cell.

Abstract: A method is provided for genetically modifying primate bone marrow cells, comprising isolating bone marrow cells from a primate and, by means which enhance the local concentration of retroviral particles, contacting the isolated bone marrow cells to cells that produce a recombinant amphotropic retrovirus with a genome based on a retroviral vector that contains the genetic information to be introduced into the bone marrow cells. Recombinant amphotropic retrovirus-producing cells, suitable for use in this method also are provided, as are genetically modified primate bone marrow cells with the capacity for regeneration in vivo.

Abstract: A method is provided for genetically modifying primate bone marrow cells, comprising isolating bone marrow cells from a primate and, by means which enhance the local concentration of retroviral contacting the isolated bone marrow cells to cells that produce a recombinant amphotropic retrovirus with a genome based on a retroviral vector that contains the genetic information to be introduced into the bone marrow cells. Recombinant amphotropic retrovirus-producing cells, suitable for use in this method also are provided, as are genetically modified primate bone marrow cells with the capacity for regeneration in vivo.

Abstract: A method for producing viral gene delivery vehicles which can be transferred to pre-selected cell types by using targeting conjugates. The gene delivery vehicles comprise: 1) the gene of interest; and 2) a viral capsid or envelope carrying a member of a specific binding pair, the counterpart of which is not directly associated with the surface of the target cell. These vehicles can be rendered unable to bind to their natural cell receptor. The targeting conjugates include the counterpart member of the specific binding pair, linked to a targeting moiety which is a cell-type specific ligand (or fragments thereof). The number of the specific binding pair present on the viral vehicles can be, for example, an immunoglobulin binding moiety (e.g., capable of binding to a Fc fragment, protein A, protein G, FcR or an anti-Ig antibody), or biotin, avidin or streptavidin. The virus' outer membrane or capsid may contain a substance which mediates entrance of the gene delivery vehicle into the target cell.

Abstract: A method of producing viral gene delivery vehicles which can be transferred to pre-selected cell types by using targeting conjugates. The gene delivery vehicles comprise: 1) the gene of interest; 2) a viral capsid or envelope carrying a member of a specific binding pair, the counterpart of which is not directly associated with the surface of the target cell. These vehicles can be made unable to bind to their natural receptor on the cell. The targeting conjugates are composed of the counterpart member of the specific binding pair linked to a targeting moiety which is a cell-type specific ligand. The number of the specific binding pair present on the viral vehicles can be, for example, an immunoglobulin binding moiety, biotin, avidin, or streptavidin. The outer membrane or capsid of the virus may contain a substance which mediates entrance of the gene delivery vehicle into the target cell.