Adenoviruses are a type of disease-causing viruses. They carry their genetic material in form of DNA (DNA viruses). Typical illnesses caused by adenovirus include respiratory infections, such as the common cold, and pink eye. In medicine, modified versions of adenoviruses are used to prevent or treat diseases. Some adenoviruses are modified to lose their ability to multiply; these are used in vaccines and in gene therapy as carrier systems (called adenovirus vectors). In cancer treatment, adenoviruses have been modified so that they can only replicate in cancer cells. These modified viruses are used to as a way to target and destroy cancer cells (oncolytic virus therapy).
This entry was provided by the doctoral students of the GetRADI collaborative network. GetRADI is funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Research Executive Agency. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.