Optimisation of rhadinoviral vectors

This thesis aimed to improve an Herpesvirus saimiri-based vector. One aim was the redirection of T cells by artificial expression of a γ9δ2 T cell receptor on mature human T cells. Another project monitored for stability and duration of transgene transcription and expression in mature human T cells under control of different promoters using fluorophores eGFP and mRFP. In order to increase insert capacity for potential transgenes, ORFs were deleted in viruses retaining the F vector moiety or enabled to self-repair, the removal of this vector backbone from the viral vector. In summary, the successful transformation and transgene expression in mature human T cells for up to four years can be achieved with promising, self-repairing deletion variants. Potentially up to 50 kb insert capacity constitutes a considerable potential for the further development of herpesvirus saimiri, e.g., into a therapeutic vector for adoptive T cell therapy