I havn't as yet delved into Medline to see current thinking on the subject, 
but I remember once in a boring virology lecture mentioning work being done 
using viral capsid proteins to harbour corrective genes for cystic fibrosis 
patients. In effect, this new virus would work, I guess as a retrovirus does 
in the sense that it integrates dsDNA into the host chromosome. It would 
involve a viral capsid that recognises external markers on the target 
cells(lung epithelium), then having gained entery intergrate its own genome 
which would contain correct copies of the gene responsible for the chloride 
pump (Cystic fibrosis is due to this pump being defective). Obviously there 
are the problems of knowing where to intergrate this tiny piece of dna in the 
10^9 base pairs (or whatever) in the human genome, and finding a suitable 
viral capsid. I know that no real successful progress has taken place 
otherwise we all would know about it; however the subject is interesting. If 
anyone has more info on this or similar viral involving therapies I would be 
greatful to hear.
Regards, Dom
--- Maximus 3.01
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