Key considerations for scalable retroviral vector production—with a focus on lentivirus

“Evaluation should always start with estimating your commercial requirements in terms of viral vector quantities.”Viral vectors based on viruses from the retrovirus family are a common choice for gene therapy applications due to their ability to transduce dividing and non-dividing cells. They are usually produced in mammalian cells via transient transfection or stable expression and naturally ‘bud from cells, offering opportunities for perfusion harvest and continuous manufacturing. In this interview, Alex Chatel, Senior Product Manager, Donaldson Life Sciences, discusses the benefits and drawbacks of different approaches when producing vectors for cell therapy applications, and outlines important considerations for developers when selecting a suitable production process.